THE WAY
OF THE SAINTS
Kirpal Singh
THE WAY OF THE SAINTS
Sant Mat
Collected Short Writings of
KIRPAL SINGH
SANT BANI ASHRAM
Sanbornton, New Hampshire
We are grateful to Loi Fager, Lala Howard, the Mahattas Stu-
dio, Jonas Gerard, Ron Polacsek, and many unknown pho-
tographers for their beautiful pictures of two great Masters.
For further information on the teachings in this book, please
write:
Sant Bani Ashram
Franklin, NH 03235, USA
First Edition 1976
Second Printing, 1978
Second Edition 1989
Printed in the United States of America
by The Sant Bani Press, Tilton, NH
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-21987
ISBN: 0-89142-026-6
Dedicated
to the Almighty God
working through all Masters who have come
and Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj
at whose lotus feet
the translator imbibed sweet elixir of
Holy Naam — the Word
BY KIRPAL SINGH
The Jap Ji: The Message of Guru Nanak
Prayer: Its Nature and Technique
Spirituality: What It Is
Naam or Word
Baba Jaimal Singh: His Life and Teachings
The Crown of Life: A Study in Yoga
Seven Paths to Perfection
The Wheel of Life: The Law of Action and Reaction
Godman
Spiritual Elixir
The Mystery of Death
Morning Talks
The Night is a Jungle and Other Discourses
The Light of Kirpal
The Way of the Saints: Collected Short Writings
THE TEACHINGS OF KIRPAL SINGH
(COMPILED FROM VARIOUS sources)
Introduction
The instructions to prepare this book for publication
were given to me by the Master Kirpal Singh Ji in
February 1972 in India; while I had had a desire for many
years to compile and publish in book form all the Master's
circulars, I had somehow never brought it up to Him.
During my stay at Sawan Ashram that winter, I received a
letter from a brother disciple in America requesting me to
collect all of the Master's short writings in one book. I took
the letter to the Master and showed it to Him. He read it
through, said it was a good idea, and told me to prepare the
manuscript. On my return to America, I received a letter
from Him confirming in writing what He had previously
told me.
This book, however, does not contain "all of the short
writings of the Master," and the reason for that is this:
When I returned to India in September 1973, I brought a
completed manuscript with me for the Master's approval.
This manuscript was substantially the same as this book,
but it included a number of discourses translated from the
Urdu and published in mimeographed form during the
1950's.
The Master went over the manuscript carefully and ap-
proved most of it, but He refused to approve those transla-
tions. He said that He had never checked them over, and
could not guarantee their accuracy. I requested Him to
check them over, but He did not have time.
The manuscript also included a large number of excerpts
from letters He had written to individuals. He indicated that
He would prefer these letters not to be in the book, since
they were often written with a specific person's needs in
mind, and were not always applicable to everybody.
VI THE WAY OF THE SAINTS
In the writings included in this volume, Kirpal Singh
explains the Path of Sant Mat (The Way of the Saints). Sant
Mat, the esoteric core of all revealed religions, has been
available to the honest seeker since the beginning of time,
but it was first taught publicly by Kabir in the fifteenth
century; and, since then, the teaching has descended
through an unbroken line of great Masters, becoming more
and more available as the number of people who hunger for
God with all their hearts has increased.
Kirpal Singh was born in Sayyad Kasran, in the Punjab,
on February 6, 1894. A lifelong search for God led him to
many Sufis, yogis and mystics, but he refused to take
anyone as his Guru until he had direct proof of his compe-
tence. In 1917 his prayers for an inner manifestation of God
were answered, and he began seeing the form of a bearded
man, made of light, in his meditations. He did not recog-
nize the form, but thinking it to be Guru Nanak, continued
his meditations. In 1924, while visiting the Beas River, he
was directed to a nearby ashram, and there, in the person of
Baba Sawan Singh Ji, he met the same form on the physical
plane that he had been seeing in his meditations for seven
years. He was initiated the following day, and devoted the
rest of his life to the practice of Surat Shabd Yoga, the
spiritual discipline taught by Baba Sawan Singh. -
He was married at an early age, had three children, and
supported himself and his family by working as a civil
servant in the Indian Government. He worked his way up to
as high a post as was available to a native Indian, and
retired in 1947, having won the love of Indian subordinates
and British superiors alike.
He sat at the feet of his Guru for twenty-four years, and
very quickly penetrated deep within. By the early thirties,
Baba Sawan Singh was mentioning his name to those who
asked if he had any advanced disciples; by the late thirties,
he had been assigned the job of writing Gurmat Siddhant, a
INTRODUCTION VU
two-volume spiritual classic in the Punjabi language which
was, at Kirpal Singh's request, published under Sawan
Singh's name. In the year 1939, he was asked by his Master
to initiate 250 persons at the regular monthly initiation — an
unprecedented honor for any of Sawan Singh's disciples,
and one of the traditional ways by which a Master indicates
his successor. All through the thirties and forties, he held
Satsang regularly at Lahore and Amritsar, and often gave
discourses with his Master sitting by his side; as he used to
say, "I talked to my Master and the people enjoyed!" In
fact, he held the last Satsang ever at the Dera Baba Jaimal
Singh— his Guru's ashram at Beas — during Baba Sawan
Singh's lifetime, on March 29, 1948. Just three days later
(the day before the Master left on April 2) he received the
transfer of spiritual power through the eyes, which verifies
and makes possible the continuance of the power from one
human pole to another; he had previously, on October 12,
1947, been told by his Master that he would succeed him. At
that time, he had begged Sawan Singh to stay on in the
physical form and just give orders as he willed; but that
prayer was not answered and now he was gone. Heavy of
heart, he left for Rishikesh in the Himalaya Mountains with
three close disciples and spent the next five months in
almost continuous samadhi or absorption in God.
During this period, he adopted the traditional way of life
of a sadhu or renunciate, removing his turban and letting
his hair (uncut since birth, as is the Sikh custom) hang
loose, and wearing a simple white dhoti. It was at this time
that he met the Maharishi Raghuvacharya, then in his early
nineties, who became his close friend and disciple. The
Maharishi, who had penetrated into the astral plane by
means of strenuous Ashtang Yoga practices involving pran-
ayam, etc., at once recognized that here was a great soul
indeed, and got up from the circle of disciples where he was
sitting and bowed down before Kirpal Singh— thus demon-
V1J1 THE WAY OF THE SAINTS
strating the greatness of both of them. Kirpal Singh in his
turn always treated Raghuvacharya with respect and defer-
ence, even though the latter freely told everyone that Kirpal
Singh was his Guru. Raghuvacharya died in 1971 at the age
of 1 15; he was a pundit or Sanskrit scholar as well as a great
yogi, and to see those two giants together was the sight of a
lifetime.
Finally, having drained the cup of spiritual ecstasy and
become one with his Father, he received orders from within:
"Go back into the world and bring My children back to
Me." Returning to a newly independent India, still reeling
from the shock of the secession of Pakistan and the unbe-
lievable suffering that that entailed, he went straight to
Delhi, the center to which the Punjabi refugees were pour-
ing, and began his work there. By 1951, he had established
Sawan Ashram on the outskirts of the city, and the satsangs
were being attended by five thousand or more souls. His
work continued to grow, with one expansion after another:
in 1955, he made his first foreign tour, spending several
months in the United States and Europe. This was the first
time that a Saint of his stature had visited the West, and the
first time that the Surat Shabd Yoga had been explained
there by an authentic Master of the system. In 1955, the
recognition of the depth and relevance of Oriental ideas and
spiritual practices that is now so all-pervading had barely
begun; he presented these profound concepts with complete
simplicity and clarity to an audience almost totally unfamil-
iar with Eastern thought. As a result of this tour, hundreds
of Westerners took initiation and began to follow the Path
of Sant Mat. Small centers of disciples sprang up, and
representatives were authorized to convey the initiation in-
structions to new seekers in his absence (after prior sanction
from him). The number of initiates began to grow steadily.
In India the work continued to grow at a headlong pace
as the Master's reputation as a holy man who actually lived
INTRODUCTION IX
up to what he preached, and to what the scriptures said,
grew more and more widespread. In 1957, he was elected
the first President of the World Fellowship of Religions, an
office he kept until 1971, when, after four World Religions
Conferences, he resigned after it became evident that noth-
ing more could be accomplished in that direction. In 1962,
he was awarded the Order of St. John of Jerusalem,
Knights of Malta, for his spiritual and humanitarian work;
the first non-Christian in history to receive this honor. On
this occasion, Prime Minister Nehru sent for him to offer
his personal congratulations; they had a long talk, and the
Master's unofficial but intimate connection with the Prime
Minister of India began. (He advised both Prime Ministers
Shastri and Indira Gandhi on several occasions, and they
reciprocated by addressing the various Conferences pre-
sided over by him.)
In 1963, he made his second world tour, this time, as
President of the World Fellowship of Religions, meeting
national and religious leaders on their own terms and apply-
ing the healing gospel of love to the very thorny world of
practical politics. He met Pope Paul VI, the Patriarch of
the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and many European roy-
alty and government figures on all levels; and to them all he
presented the idea of the unity of man. Side by side with his
work on this level, he continued initiating seekers into the
Path of Sant Mat.
As the work increased in the West, more and more
seekers after truth yearned to sit at their Master's feet in
India. The first who stayed at Sawan Ashram was Rusel
Jaque; his account of his six months visit in 1959 (Gurudev:
The Lord of Compassion), encouraged others to come and
see for themselves. And they did — a trickle at first, then
more, until by the early '70's there were almost always
Westerners in residence at the Ashram for periods ranging
from three weeks to six months. During his last year, the
X THE WAY OF THE SAINTS
number skyrocketed upward, as he, knowing he was leav-
ing, threw open the gates and issued a general invitation to
all his non-Indian disciples to attend the World Conference
on Unity of Man in February 1974.
One of the final facets of Kirpal Singh's many-sided
mission was the building of the Manav Kendra or Man
Center in the foothills of the Himalayas at Dehra Dun. The
center was to be eventually self-supporting and would serve
as an agricultural example for the farmers in the area—
combining traditional Indian methods with scientific know-
how. It was to include a free hospital, a free elementary
school, a home for the aged, facilities for studying lan-
guages, and a library of comparative religion and mysti-
cism, in addition to the esoteric instruction and "man
making" program that was to be the core. During the years
1970 and 1971, the Master personally labored twelve hours
a day to get the Manav Kendra built and functioning.
On August 26, 1972, the Master left on his third and final
world tour. This time he was greeted by crowds numbering
in the thousands, most of them young people who had been
initiated in the last few years. Although his body was show-
ing signs of deterioration and his extraordinary vigor and
staying power was at last diminishing, he nevertheless put in
fourteen- or fifteen-hour days throughout the tour, gave
countless talks, saw thousands of people in private inter-
views, and initiated more than two thousand new disciples
before the tour ended.
The outward climax of Sant Kirpal Singh's mission was
the Unity of Man Conference seven months before his
death. The conference was attended by two thousand
delegates — religious and political leaders from India and all
parts of the world — and approximately fifty thousand non-
delegates. His last major effort on behalf of unity took
place at the Kumbha Mela in Hardwar, where, on April 2,
1974, he organized a large number of sadhus and holy men
INTRODUCTION XI
into the National Conference, pledged to work together for
the elimination of religious strife and for the economic
uplift of the poor people of India. This was the first time in
the known religious history of India that anyone had been
able to persuade the traditionally independent sadhus to
join together for a common good; as he later said, "It was
very difficult to bring them to sit together."
At the great Bhandara in honor of his Master, at the end
of July, he gave his last Initiation, giving Naam to more
than one thousand aspirants. A few days later, on August 1 ,
he addressed a session of the Indian Parliament at the
request of its members— the first time in history that a
spiritual leader was invited to address the Parliament. Three
weeks later (after a brief illness, during which he continued
to share moments of love, grace and spiritual encourage-
ment with a small number of western disciples, in spite of
obviously increasing pain), he stepped out of his body in
full consciousness. His last words were of love and concern
for his disciples. His life bears eloquent testimony that the
age of the prophets is not over; that it is still possible for
human beings to find God and reflect His will.
RUSSELL PERKINS
EXPLANATORY NOTE ON THE NUMBERING
OF THE CIRCULARS
The Master began issuing His circular letters to disciples, as
distinct from transcribed discourses, explanatory essays on
the teachings, or messages on special occasions, after His
first world tour with the publication of what is called in this
book "The Outer Aspects of Life" in May 1956. At the time,
it was titled "Circular Letter 1." "Instructions for Seekers
After Truth," issued soon after, was subtitled "Circular 2,"
PART III
THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
14. The Outer Aspects of Life / 255
15. Instructions for Seekers After Truth / 265
16. Ends and Means / 273
17. Instructions for Holding Satsang / 283
19. The Spiritual Aspect of the Vegetarian Diet/ 291
20. Love, Concentration and Self-Surrender:
The Psychology of Mysticism / 305
21. How to Maintain Ashrams / 317
22. Service Before Self / 323
23. The Way of Love / 329
24. By Love, Serve One Another / 335
25. Humility/ 341
26. Blessed Are The Poor in Spirit / 351
27. Before The Year Runs Out / 357
28. On Keeping The Diary / 369
29. How to Develop Receptivity / 375
30. On the Unity of Man / 399
List of Illustrations
frontispiece
Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji at Sant Bani Ashram, October
1963
between pages 32 and 33
Hazur Maharaj Baba Sawan Singh Ji
Baba Sawan Singh laying the foundation stone for the
Satsang hall at Beas
Baba Sawan Singh and Baba Kirpal Singh
Reading the mail
Baba Sawan Singh, Baba Kirpal Singh and Bibi Ralli
At a picnic
Two group pictures
Baba Sawan Singh Ji
between pages 192 and 193
Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj, on the road to Agra,
August 1969
Two pictures of the Master with His children on the same
occasion
At Sawan Ashram, 1967
Rajpur, July 1974
Sant Bani Ashram, October 1963
Sawan Ashram, August 1969
Baba Kirpal Singh Ji
I
The Life & Teachings of
Baba Sawan Singh Ji
This brief biographical study of Hazur Maharaj Baba
Sawan Singh Ji is a combination of several different writ-
ings of Kir pal Singh. The basic narrative framework is
A Brief Life Sketch of Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, the
Master's first published writing in English, issued by him in
1949, the year after Sawan Singh's death. This pamphlet
is especially rich in vivid detail in its narrative of the last
months of Hazur's life. With this we have combined
"Scenes from a Great Life," a talk given by the Master on
one anniversary of Hazur's birth (published in Sat Sandesh
in July 1970) which is much more specific than A Brief
Life Sketch in regard to Hazur's earlier life. Brief sections
from two other talks in which Kirpal Singh referred to his
Guru are also included. The source for each section is
given in the references at the end of the study.
The footnotes are the author's, unless they are signed by
the editor.
The Life &l Teachings of
Baba Sawan Singh Ji
Zuban pe bare-Khudaya ye kis ka nam aya
Ke mere nutq ne bose meri zuban ke liye.
By the Grace of God whose name did I mention
the faculty of speech has begun to kiss my
tongue:
Who is not acquainted with the name of that Messiah
of the modern age? — that living personification of
morality, the fountain-head of spirituality, who in the
dark abyss of this material world helped many a helpless
wanderer to the path of Truth and lighted their dark path.
Just a little while ago we ourselves were witnessing the
wonderful miracles and the instructive eye-opening inci-
dents which are usually associated with the names of the
past Saints and were the actual recipients of the great bene-
fits from that Godman who lived and moved amongst
us and showed us the path leading to Reality.
Chasm-i-oo-maste Khuda
Daste-oo-daste Khuda.
Guftai-oo-guftai Allah bavad
Garche az halqum-i- Abdullah bavad.
His eyes were intoxicated with love of God and
His hand was one with that of God. He was the
mouthpiece of God and God Himself spoke
through that human throat.
4 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
This spiritual luminary assumed the garb of man on 27th
July, 1858, in a respectable Grewal Jat family of Mah-
mansinghwala, District Ludhiana, Punjab. His father, Sar-
dar Kabul Singh Ji, loved the society of godly people and
freely mixed with them, and his mother, Shrimati Jiwani
Ji, was a living specimen of the ancient virtues of simpli-
city, good-will, resignation and contentment. Baba Sawan
Singh Ji was the only son of his parents and was the
cynosure of all their hopes and aspirations. 1
The privilege of being the parents of such a great per-
sonality must surely be founded on some noble background
from past lives. From a very early age Kabul Singh fre-
quently kept the company of holy men, serving them with
sincerity, and because of this Baba Sawan Singh Ji had the
opportunity of doing the same, remaining constantly at
his father's side up to the year 1870. The passion to serve
and be near godly men developed within him and he spent
every available spare moment in this way, from 1870 to
1878. After passing his tenth class in 1878 he took some
employment, but became sick and was called home, where
he stayed for two years.
The lives of those who are destined to take the dear
souls across the river of life are predestined to prepare
them for the important work. In this period of two years,
Hazur met a great renunciate, an expert in Vedanta and
Yoga by the name of Bhoop Singh Ji, and benefited
greatly from the time spent in his company. As a result,
Hazur was filled with the desire to renounce the world
and become a sadhu. Profound thinking does not arise
from merely another's promoting, but is already there,
from the Beyond. A hen may good-naturedly hatch a nest-
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 5
ful of eggs in which some duck eggs have been mixed,
but when the little birds come out and go near the pond,
the ducklings will jump in and start swimming and the
chicks will stand and gaze in wonder. Similarly, wise souls
are not earthly but heavenly beings. Guru Nanak was
once made in charge of a shop in Sultanpur, and one day
whilst carrying out his duties a fakir approached him and
remarked, "We do not come into this world for this." That
very day Guru Nanak left everything and "tightened his
belt" ready to serve humanity for its upliftment.
From a very early age the conscious awareness of his
predisposition toward spiritual things and aversion to
worldly affairs was deeply embedded in Baba Sawan
Singh's heart. However, truly exalted souls conceal their
own inclinations and perform whatever tasks the worldly
duties demand. Whenever he had a tendency to renounce
the world he would thrust aside the noble aspiration in
consideration of his parents, for being the only son he
preferred to serve them, knowing that a renunciate may
not serve according to his choice but must be prepared
to serve humanity at large — wherever its need may call
him. This is indicative of Hazur's great wisdom, for he
who shirks his duty will never reach perfection.
Up to 1883, when the Master was 25 years old, his
time was spent as described. Sardar Kabul Singh Ji then
insisted that he should enter military service, and ap-
proached his commanding officer about a commission for
his son. While this was being processed, Hazur started
teaching at an army training school in Farukhabad, but the
company of illiterates, alcohol drinkers and meat eaters
became unbearable, so he went to Roorkee and passed
6 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
an entrance examination into the Thompson College of
Engineering there. During his stay in Farukhabad he had
spent his leisure hours on the banks of the Ganges, where
he met many holy people, in particular a man by the name
of Bhai Nihal Singh. He then [after his graduation from
college] got his commission in the army, but simulta-
neously he was given an offer in civil engineering, and
preferring the latter, he accepted a post as overseer in
Nowshera. When searching for a place of residence there,
some people told him about a lovely house which was
available, but unfortunately was haunted by ghosts and
unsuitable to live in due to the danger to life. Hazur per-
sisted in taking the house, and the people were amazed
to witness how the ghosts magically disappeared. He who
belongs to the Lord of all creation has nothing to fear —
men and angels are waiting to serve him. "All creation is
at Thy feet, and Thou art in command over all creation."
Baba Sawan Singh Ji always had an open mind, and
studied all religions. Study can be a preparation of the
ground, for the flowers to burst forth into bloom at a
later date. In Nowshera, Hazur listened to the discourses
of Baba Karam Singh of Mardan, and when he went to
Peshawar he met Baba Kahan Ji, an enlightened soul,
and spent many hours with him. One day Hazur requested,
"Baba, give me something." But Baba Kahan replied, "No,
I cannot give you what you want, but most surely you will
get it — someone else will give it to you." Outwardly these
people are simple men, but they are really the knowers
of the three worlds. From Peshawar, Hazur was trans-
ferred to Koh-marie where he took a house near a famous
gurudwara named Bhuramul Gurudwara. It was a place
THE LIFE OF BABA SAW AN SINGH 7
where the pilgrims and yogis rested on the way to Amar
Nath, a Hindu place of pilgrimage, and Hazur spent his
spare time talking with them about spiritual things. One
can see how nature helps to build the inner strength of
those destined to be spiritual giants, by keeping them sur-
rounded by uplifting company. 2
He loved all, even atheists. Once when he was posted
at Murree Hills, an atheist who was suffering from tuber-
culosis and was advised to sojourn in the hills by his doc-
tors, came to Murree Hills. He knocked at every door
for accommodation, but found them all closed; nobody
was willing to take him in. First, because of the highly in-
fectious disease he was suffering from, and also because
he did not believe in God. He came to the residence of
Hazur Maharaj Ji, who was away on duty at the time. He
asked the housekeeper for accomodation, and was refused.
It so happened that Hazur Maharaj Ji was just then re-
turning home and saw the man being turned away from
his house. He asked the housekeeper about it, and was
told that it was a tuberculosis patient asking for accommo-
dation whom nobody was willing to take in. "And what
did you say?" asked Hazur. "I also refused him, for he
was an atheist," said the housekeeper. Hazur Maharaj
told him, "Look here, this man may not know that God
resides in him, but we know it, don't we? Please give him
accommodation." 3
The time passed by until the day arrived for the foun-
dation to be laid which would eventually support the des-
tiny of all humanity. The Perfect Master of that time
was Baba Jaimal Singh Ji Maharaj, who was the chief
disciple of Swami Ji Maharaj, and who, after Swami Ji
8 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
left the world, settled in the Punjab to carry out his spir-
itual mission. One day in August 1894, Baba Jaimal
Singh Ji and a disciple were walking along the Koh-marie
Road, where Hazur was inspecting the work in progress
there, in his capacity as Sub-Divisional Officer. As Baba
Jaimal Singh Ji passed by with his companion, he pointed
to Hazur and said, "I have come here because of that
person." The disciple remarked, "You have come for a
funny person, who does not even turn his head to greet
you." Babaji kindly explained, "This personage has come
into this world specially for a very high expression of life,
and after four days he will come to me." Hazur Maharaj
came to Babaji in the company of one Mr. Sukh Dyal.
After four days' Satsang he took initiation, and stayed
near Baba Jaimal Singh Ji for two months. After Babaji
left Koh-marie, Hazur spent most of his time in meditation
and as the love for his Guru increased, his heart grew
heavier with sadness at being separated from his Master.
He would visit Babaji at every available opportunity to
derive the invaluable blessing of his presence.
Baba Jaimal Singh Ji lived on the edge of the River
Beas, where in 1898 the foundation stone of the Dera
Baba Jaimal Singh was laid and a Satsang hall built.
Whenever his leave occurred Hazur would go straight to
Beas and on arrival leave all his pay at Babaji's feet,
from which Babaji would give him enough for his main-
tenance and send whatever was necessary for housekeeping
to Hazur's wife. In all the thirty years of working, Hazur
spent only a total of six months with his wife, for all
his leave was spent with Babaji and he would visit his
home only on orders from his Master.
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 9
In 1902 the foundation stone of the big Satsang hall
was laid, and on completion of this building, Baba Jaimal
Singh Ji said to Bibi Rukko, an enlightened soul who
lived in the Dera, "I will not hold a Satsang in this hall."
She started crying, but after some moments she asked,
"Maharaj, who is going to hold the Satsangs after you?"
Babaji said, "Go into the hall and see for yourself," and
when she entered the empty hall she saw Baba Sawan Singh
Ji quietly sitting on the dais. On 29th December, 1903,
Baba Jaimal Singh Ji Maharaj left his physical form, after
bestowing the spiritual work upon Baba Sawan Singh.
Babaji had been heard to say that after him a very high
soul would come and hold Satsang, and that the Dera
would become seething with humanity. Up to then, only
about five to seven hundred people around Beas and dis-
trict had become his disciples. However, Hazur did not
immediately leave his work, but came to live in the Dera
on his retirement in 1911, when he then gave all his time
to the spiritual work. Everyone is aware of the change
that took place in the Dera during his residence there,
where from merely one or two houses a small town shaped
up through the years. A huge T-shaped Satsang hall was
erected, with dimensions of 120 feet long in both direc-
tions — each forty feet in width. Whoever wanted the
Truth came to him and gained the priceless boon, no
matter to what religion they belonged. All were endowed
with the riches of Spirituality.
One might ask what lessons one can learn from the
life of Baba Sawan Singh Ji. Without hesitation, the fol-
lowing observations can be upheld as food for study and
an example to mankind;
10 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
Chastity. In Shri Hazur Maharaj's life we find the
highest virtue of brahmcharya or chastity. He was mar-
ried at the age of about eleven or twelve, but according
to custom, after the ceremony the girl returned to her
parents' home without even seeing her husband. The
final ceremony is normally performed after eight or ten
years when the girl has matured, so after nine years had
passed the arrangements were made, but unfortunately
the girl died twenty days before the appointed date. Hazur
was twenty years old at this time, and the second mar-
riage was arranged when he was twenty-five, so this
means twenty-five years of chaste life. Then during his
thirty years of marriage he lived with his wife for only
a sum total of six months. His wife's name was Krishna
Vanti Ji and they had two sons — Bachint Singh and
Harbans Singh. Hazur used to say, "By my own wish I was
living a chaste life many years before Babaji left this
world."
A keen student of literature, Hazur read enthusiasti-
cally his whole life through, and studied carefully what-
ever sacred books he could get. In his huge library of holy
books selected from many sources, more than a thousand
had annotations in his own hand throughout the pages.
There are certain books which are not normally available
to the public but Baba Sawan Singh Ji had many of these
copied for his own library.
Never idle. Hazur was always occupied with something
— with either Satsang, meditation or reading holy books.
His activeness started early in the morning and continued
until late in the night.
Now a few words about the criterion of a true Master,
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 1 1
although truly speaking only a Mahatma can recognize
a Mahatma. However, there are indications for the keen
observer. A Mahatma's outer form has a certain attrac-
tion for the heart. They are not like cobblers who are con-
cerned only with the leather or skin, but their attention is
always on the soul. They are the Lord's messengers —
Hazur used to say, "We are not here to make religions,
so everyone should stay in whatever religion he already
belongs to. The connection between you and me is through
the soul. Get the connection with the Holy Naam."
Mahatmas always live on their own earnings and not on
donations. Kabir Sahib, Guru Nanak Sahib, Maulana
Rumi Sahib and others all earned their own sustenance.
"Earn and give with your own hands to others. O Nanak,
only he who lives thus would know the True Path." They
depend only upon God. Hazur also had this criterion for
he lived within his pension and performed free service
unto others. His love and kindness extended to all souls,
and with joyful enthusiasm he would spend up to eighteen
hours per day in selfless service. Throughout his life,
which was ninety years in length, Hazur cared little for
rest and when he started his spiritual mission he devoted
his whole time to awakening the souls. He taught the true
seekers to live in the world and simultaneously progress
in their meditation.
Mahatmas never encourage the people to be attached
to outer worship, but explain that the true temple of God
lies within man. Emerson also said, "Tap inside," meaning
that one should search for God within. Bulleh Shah says,
"When you seek the inner path, only then can the secret
of the Godman be realized." Rise above the mind and the
12 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
senses, and whilst living learn the secret of death. Learn
this mystery, separate the awakenedness from the physical
form, and reach to where your Satguru is waiting with
mercy and love in both hands. Whosoever has realized
God has done so in the temple of the human form, and
whosoever desires to realize God will have to do the same.
This is the third criterion for judging a true Master, and
Hazur Maharaj always taught the method of inversion.
He repeatedly informed the seekers that salvation can
only be achieved through the Holy Word, or Naam, and
that Naam was the highest form of devotion of all the
sadhnas [devotional practices]. Hindus call it Nad, Udgit
and Shruti. Muslims call it Naqmai-i-Asmani, Kalam-i-
Illahi, or Kalma. Christians call it the Word. The Lord
manifested Himself into Creation through the form of the
Shabd or Word, so if the soul gets a connection with the
Holy Word, then it can reach back to God. "When you
get the Shabd, you have got a contact with God. Through
that service, everything is achieved." "Contact with Naam
is the true devotion. There is no true worship without the
Holy Naam. The whole world is in a delusion." The
Saints never interfere with outer forms and rituals, but
give excellent advice for achieving the best results. Hazur
would tell his followers, "The Word is within you — just
be devoted to that and nothing else." Those who search
for God outwardly remain empty within. "He who forgets
himself through the nine outlets (of the senses), will never
find the priceless treasure lying within him."
I have briefly placed before you four criteria for judging
a true Master, and all these could be seen in Hazur. There
are also outer indications: a Mahatma's eye is deep as a
THE LIFE OF BABA SA WAN SINGH 13
lion's, the forehead is broad, his way of walking is graceful
like a dove's. Hazur had all these features. Masters also
have a sign of the lotus on their foot. It has been written
that Lord Krishna and Guru Amardas both had this sign,
and so did Hazur. Hafiz Sahib said, "If my Master takes
possession of my heart, then I will give (in exchange) my
faith, my world, my home here and hereafter, just to see
the black mole on his face." Hazur Maharaj had a beauti-
ful black mole on his face.
The lives of these great personalities cannot be fully
understood by the common man. They are not simply
man alone, but manifested God in man, and only those
who have the rare secret opened up to them can know
what this means. Most other people think of them as athe-
ists. On this very subject, Khusro Sahib once remarked,
"People say that Khusro is the worshiper of a human be-
ing, and I say, 'Yes, I do it' and do not care for the world
and its opinions." True seekers will sacrifice their mind
and body for the privilege of the company of a true Ma-
hatma.
Many seemingly miraculous things can happen around
a true Master. I saw many amazing incidents through be-
ing connected with Hazur Maharaj Ji, from which I will
tell of two. In the Holy Bible it is written that Jesus Christ
gave sight to the blind. In the early thirties in Rawalpindi
a lady lost her eyesight, and after consultation with the
best specialist it was found that the optical nerves had
shriveled, and there was no hope of recovering the sight.
She could see nothing, though outwardly there seemed to
be no difference. Inwardly however, she was constantly
enjoying the darshan of Baba Sawan Singh Ji, and was
14 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
therefore not at all dismayed. Two days of blindness
passed, and on the third day I was sitting with her and
her husband when she said, "The Master and another man
are discussing something. The gentleman is beseeching
Hazur, saying 'Hazur, have mercy — please give her sight
back.' Now Hazur is saying, 'Alright, alright.' " The lady's
husband, sitting with closed eyes, suddenly saw a brilliant
light, and at exactly that time, the lady, who was lying on
the bed, got up and ran across the room saying, "I can see
— I can see." In an apparently magical way, her eyesight
had been restored.*
There is also an account in the Bible of Jesus feeding
five thousand people with a little bread in a basket, each
one being fully fed and satisfied. Hazur used to visit his
home town from time to time, usually accompanied by
hundreds of followers, and there was always a free kitch-
en arrangement for them. On one visit there was a large
group of Akali Sikhs camped nearby for some special
celebration. These Akalis were against Baba Sawan Singh's
teachings, so they planned to bring disgrace upon him by
going to his free kitchen after the meal had finished and
the kitchen closed. Nearly three hundred of them sat down
outside the kitchen door and demanded that food be served
to them immediately. Someone told me what had happened
and I hurried to the kitchen to find that there was just half
a basket of bread. I called the cook and told him to light
* See With a Great Master in India by Dr. Julian Johnson (Beas:
1953), p. 26, for another version of this story. The lady of
course, as Dr. Johnson points out, was Bibi Hardevi (the wife
of Raja Ram); and Bibi Hardevi has since confirmed that the
"gentleman'' who interceded for her was Kirpal Singh himself. —
THE EDITOR
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 15
the fires and make more bread, but the three hundred
people outside started shouting for food. Just then, Hazur
entered the kitchen and said, "Kirpal Singh, why are you
not giving them food?" I replied, "Hazur, there is only
half a basketful of bread, how can I feed three hundred
people with that? We have to make more." Baba Sawan
Singh smiled and said, "Fear not, but cover the basket
with a cloth and go on serving the bread." I did as Hazur
had instructed, and the three hundred men ate and ate
until they could eat no more, and when the meal was
finished there was still the same amount of bread left as
there had been at the start.
It is very often considered that miracles are just stories
invented out of the imagination, but in fact, very few peo-
ple know what a miracle truly is. The word itself literally
means "things which astonish." Coleridge says that the
fact that Christ performed miracles was verification that
he was carrying out his Father's orders. Locke says that
miracles are like a letter of promise from God, which
Saints and Avatars bring with them to this world. The
common man does not know how such happenings are
performed, and calls them "miracles" which actually shows
his ignorance of the real facts. In the Patanjali Sutra of
Maharishi Patanjali, in the third stanza, verses 5-51, it is
written that creating worldly things like curing the sick,
making barren women fertile, producing precious gems,
etc., are called riddhis and siddhis and performing these
things beset the way of perfection; it is no proof of per-
fection. For he who goes into samadhi (the state of leaving
the body at will) such things are like plucked flowers
scattered before and behind him on his path — a true pil-
16 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
grim in search of God will never stoop to pick them up.
So-called miracles are merely a child's play which can
be done by focusing the mind to a single point. All per-
fect Masters are in control of these powers, but do not
work through them.
In Peshawar, some years ago, a hypnotist came to the
Edward Mission College and to show what he could do
he hypnotized a boy and then asked anyone to question
the boy in any language they chose. The boy answered all
questions accurately, even replying to the questions of a
professor of Latin. When Madam Blavatsky visited La-
hore, she was having a discussion with a number of peo-
ple when a certain professor exclaimed, "Madame, all
that you are saying is a rigmarole and as impossible as
flowers falling from the ceiling." Madame Blavatsky re-
plied, "Professor, do you think that is really impossible?"
At once, a shower of blossoms fell from the ceiling and
covered the table. Madame Blavatsky turned to the pro-
fessor and said, "These things are according to the laws
of nature, but we are not acquainted with them."
Maulana Rumi was a teacher, and he first met his Mas-
ter Shamas Tabrez when he was giving a lesson to a num-
ber of children. Hazrat Shamas Tabrez approached and
asked, "What is this?" Maulana Rumi replied, "This is
that knowledge of which you know nothing." Shamas Ta-
brez kept quiet, but when the boys left for the break
period he took all the books and slates and threw them
into a nearby pond. When Maulana Rumi returned with
the boys they demanded to know where their books were.
Shamas Tabrez took them to the pond, and one by one
took out the books — but astonishingly, they were all dry!
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 17
Maulana Rumi, his eyes wide open with surprise, said,
"What is this?" Shamas Tabrez replied, "This is that
knowledge of which you know nothing." As is well known,
Maulana Rumi later became the disciple of Shamas Tabrez
and eventually succeeded him in Mastership. What I want
to impress about this subject is that miraculous happenings
are merely the fruit of concentrated attention, and that
true Masters do not give them any importance because
they have gone far past this stage. Hafiz Sahib says, "Do
not mention miracles to me, because I have crossed that
stage, and I am where such things are not necessary."
Perfect Masters never work through these lower powers,
and they forbid true seekers from doing so because they
are an obstruction on the path to God. However, through
meditation the student will automatically acquire them,
but they are forbidden to be used. Even though the Mas-
ters use them at times for certain purposes, they will tell
you that the greatest "miracle" is when they raise the soul
above the mind and the senses, thereby severing the knot
which binds it to the wheel of births and deaths. The prog-
ress which the Mahatmas used to achieve in thousands of
years, by the grace of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maha-
raj, is today achieved in months. Great Masters have the
most miraculous power of making the Holy Naam mani-
fest in others — what more miracle than this is to be de-
sired? 5
Hazur revived the teachings of the holy Saints and
brought them into the limelight. Like his predecessors —
Guru Nanak, Kabir Sahib, Tulsi Sahib, Paltu Sahib,
Swami Shivdayal Singh Ji, Maulana Rumi, Shamas Ta-
brez and others, he pulled up the aspirants from their
18 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
deep slumber and put them on the path of Surat Shabd
Yoga or Sultan-ul-Azkar which is the most ancient and
eternal path leading to Reality and which being natural is
unchangeable from times immemorial and will ever re-
main as such without any modification whatever.
His teachings are esoteric and not exoteric. He taught:
'"God is in every heart. Spirituality is the common
heritage of the entire world and humanity and is not
reserved for any particular country or nationality. The
be-all and end-all of spirituality is the union of the soul
with the Omnipotent Over-Soul. Man is the roof and
crown of all creation and nothing else is greater than he.
He is the direct manifestation of God and is the marvel
of God's greatness. In the twinkling of an eye he can
rise to Heaven and can come back. The sun and the
moon, paradise and hell, the earth and the sky arc his
playgrounds. As is correctly said: 'In short thou art next
to God.' He is just like a drop from the Ocean-Creator.
He is a ray of the Almighty sun. Both the drop and the
ray feel restless so long as they are separated from their
source and find rest only when they become merged in it.
"Man is the noblest of God's creation and in his es-
sence is made a perfect being. He can work on two planes
— outer and inner. On the outer plane he has the knowl-
edge and science of the world to aid him in his endeavors
to pass through; but beyond the limits of all knowledge
and philosophy, on the inner plane, he is quite unable
singly to fathom the abysmal depths of the secrets of
Nature. With the help of learning religious scriptures he
tries to attain the Goal, but stumbles at every step. Very
soon he realizes that he has deficiencies in this respect and
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 19
is helpless; and until he gets the guidance of a practical
spiritual Master, the Knowledge and the Reality remain
undecipherable conundrums and enigmas which baffle all
attempts at solution. Spiritual living is acquirable during
our lifetime only from an awakened and really conscious
Master. Such a Master is deep rooted in the Reality and
all the qualities of Godly Light are fully reflected and
shine forth in him in abundance. He is fully conversant
with the narrow and slippery spots on the path leading
to Reality. He gives to aspirants a link of life impulse
which is commonly known as Shabd or Nad among the
Hindus, Kalma or Kalam-i-Rabbani among Muslims, Sach,
Naam or Hukam among Sikhs, and 'Word' among Chris-
tians. Under His superintendence and guidance such a
Master opens the inner eye of the seeker and leads him
from plane to plane until He places him at the feet of
God — and all this during his lifetime and not after death.
"It is therefore of absolute importance for every intel-
ligent person — no matter of what religion, color or creed
— to betake himself, as he would to the living king or
living physician, to the present Living Master of the age
if he wants to drink the Nectar of Immortality and attain
life everlasting."
This is why Maulana Rumi says: "Take hold of the
hand of the Master, for without Him the way is full of
untold dangers and difficulties. Never for a moment get
separated from the Master and never place too much
confidence in thy own valor or wisdom."
And the same is said in the Guru Granth Sahib: "Meet
the Master and get initiation from Him. Surrender thy
body and mind to Him and invert within. Thou shalt
20 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
find the path only through analyzing the self." . . .
Mere darshan of Hazur's person awarded calmness to
the perplexed and disturbed mind, bestowed consolation
to every heart and above all conferred the boon of con-
centration and the joy of internal satisfaction. His mode
of expression and interpretation was extremely clear
and impressive. Simple and illuminative words and phrases
uttered forth by him to unravel the problems of Reality
were particularly sweet and intoxicating. Ordinary pulpit-
preachers when they deliver their addresses on the basis
of intellect and reasoning simply betray that it is only
imitative art as if they were scattering scentless flowers,
distributing un-intoxicating wine, beauty without attraction
and body without soul. But Hazur unfolded the Divine
mysteries with such an easy and facile grace that his
words went home and penetrated deep down into the
hearts and made an everlasting impression. This is possi-
ble only when a really competent personage with practi-
cal personal esoteric experience within expounds the truth
of the actual spiritual experiments and has the compe-
tency to infuse into the innermost recesses of the brain
not only mere words but the results of his own vast spirit-
ual experiments along with the pith of the essential prin-
ciples thereof. In his speech, there was an uncommon
magical charm which captivated the hearts of his hearers.
This sacred and grand Master travelled throughout the
length and breadth of the country and his spiritual mes-
sages worked like a balm to hundreds and thousands of
lacerated hearts. There is not a village or town in the
Punjab where his followers are not found in large num-
bers. In different parts of India more than thirty Satsang
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 21
halls were constructed which formed centers for impart-
ing practical spiritual knowledge. Despite reaching an old
age, this venerable personality gave spiritual talks and
discourses for hours and hours together — thus quenching
the thirst of millions of spiritually thirsty seekers.
At monthly congregations sixty to eighty thousand souls
ran to Beas to derive benefit from this spiritual spring. In
his lifetime his public reputation traveled to different
lands. His followers comprised about one hundred thou-
sand persons, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Chris-
tians of all status and position — rich and poor, literate
and illiterate, of various castes and creeds including Asians
and Christians of European nations.
Hazur used to say: "All religions and all countries are
mine and I love them equally."
His innate desire was to bring together all the religions
on a common platform and to knit together the entire
humanity in one thread and then to put them all on to the
one ancient path of spirituality which leads to the com-
mon goal of all religions. He said: "The essentials of all
religions are the same. God is one. All the humanity are
His children and are thus related as brothers. The whole
creation is just a manifestation of that one Reality — one
soul that stretches its force and influence everywhere —
one Light spreading its radiance in the entire universe —
one Sun that shines upon each atom."
Why then all this discord and disharmony in the world?
The passion of hatred and animosity which has led to the
bloodshed of hundreds and thousands of innocent souls,
is certainly the outcome of wrong interpretation and de-
generation of the "ways of living." The one successful
22 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
method to check this storm of reckless devastation and
vandalism and to unite the whole mankind into one Uni-
versal Brotherhood is that sensible and conscious leaders
and heads of all sects instead of concentrating their activ-
ities in their own limited narrow circles should meet
at one place to educate and inculcate the common princi-
ples of Religion — viz. exalted noble character — emanat-
ing from one-ness of soul. We are all souls, we are in-
dwellers of the house (the body) and not the body itself.
Thus by rectifying the condition of the indweller all the
rest of the bodily concerns can surely be improved in the
right manner/ 1
No religion permits the immolation of women or the
killing of persons; but alas! what man has done with man
is too scandalous to be put on record. After the partition
of this country the people in the name of religion polluted
the chastity of women and killed hundreds of thousands of
innocent persons. If all this gruesome and ghastly dance
of death cannot serve to open our eyes, we cannot possi-
bly mend ourselves. If we had a grain of feeling in us we
ought to hang our heads in shame. There are, however,
a few awakened souls among us but these are very rare,
and such rendered a valuable yeoman's service in those
most trying and troubled times.
I would like to relate a couple of instances of Hazur
in those days. Hazur was physically ailing; for the body
alone is subject to diseases and the great souls very often
vicariously take upon themselves the people's burden of
karmic action. During partition days, when passions were
running high, some Muslims came to Hazur for protection.
He lovingly kept them in the Dera. In September 1947
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 23
Hazur planned to go to Amritsar. When I went to see him
with the hope of accompanying him to Amritsar, Hazur
bade me remain at Dera and look after the comforts of
the Dera people and the Muslims, according to the exi-
gencies at the moment. A Muslim caravan was to leave
that day for Pakistan. Hazur therefore enjoined me to es-
cort the Muslims of the Dera to that caravan. It so hap-
pened that a torrential downpour of rain came on that
day. Hazur felt a deep agony and said, "Our Muslim
brethren are in a very poor plight, but we have no sym-
pathy for them in our heart."
As Hazur started for Amritsar, he saw a huge crowd
of Muslims near Beas Railway Station. A Jamadar was in
the car with him and in spite of his protests, Hazur ordered
the car to be taken right to the Muslim horde and pulled
it up just in their midst.* He called for the leader of the
Muslim caravan and with tears in his eyes said, "I have in
the Dera a few Muslim brethren, and would very much
like to see them safely escorted across the border." Such
indeed are the acts of high souled Saints. His heart was
full of compassion and pity for the suffering humanity.
In the evening a truck load of Muslims prepared to
join the evacuees on the march, when all of a sudden I
heard the news that a band of armed Akalis had gathered
near Dera and intended to raid it and massacre the Mus-
lims. All alone I went to them full of confidence in Hazur's
munificence and greatness. A few of the Akalis with
spears and spades blocked my way. I said to them, "These
* A Jamadar is a soldier, and he protested because Hazur's ac-
tion in driving into the midst of the supposed "enemy" was in-
sane from the military point of view. — the editor
24 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
helpless brethren have come to Hazur for protection. It
behooves the Khalsas to extend the protection that they
seek. The spirit of the Khalsa requires, no demands, that
those who seek mercy must be given mercy. You had bet-
ter hug them to your bosom." Hearing these words a cou-
ple of aged Akalis came forward and said, '"You have this
day saved the Khalsas from what would otherwise have
been a great sacrilege and heinous crime of taking away
the life of so many of these poor souls. We shall not now
touch a hair of these people." All this transformation
from a bloodthirsty mood to that of sympathy and fellow-
feeling came through the grace of Hazur.
As the truck was about to pass by the Akalis I stopped
it and said, "These brethren of ours are today quitting
their hearths and homes not because of any hatred toward
us but are being driven to it by sheer necessity. We have
all these years been living together in peace and concord.
Will it not be good if we bid goodbye to them with loving
embraces?" This touched them to the core. In an instant
I found the two (Akalis and Muslims) hugging each other
with tears streaming down their cheeks — the two who just
a short while before were anxious to cut each other's
throats. No religion permits manslaughter or genocide.
We indulge in these things because we are taught the
wrong way, and rebelion is used as a smoke screen for the
perpetration of terrible deeds to serve selfish ends. There
are instances on record wherein Muslims also saved the
lives of Hindus and vice versa. . . .
The fact remains that whosoever has learned the true
import of his religion, has an all-embracing love for the
entire humanity, and is not torn by sectional and commu-
THE LIFE OF BABA SAW AN SINGH 25
nal love. It is said: O man of wisdom (Moses) thou wert
sent to knit people unto me (God) — And not to lead my
people away from me.
Once a shepherd boy leading his goats to pasture in a
meadow sat under a tree and lovingly began to commune
with God in this wise, "O God! I wish that both of us
should live side by side. I shall not make Thee discom-
fortable. Should Thou fall ill, I shall attend Thee day and
night. Should Thou get tired I shall massage Thy hands
and feet. I shall bring Thee barley bread and spinach to
eat and give Thee goats' fresh milk to drink. I shall pick
up lice from Thy hair and give Thee a hair-wash with
milk and curd . . ."
The shepherd boy was deeply absorbed in these thoughts
when the Prophet Moses passed that way. He shouted at
the boy and said, "O fool, why art thou blaspheming?
God is altogether unlike thee and shall not eat thy barley
bread and spinach nor shall He ever fall ill or get lice in
His head." The boy was stunned to hear this, and began
to tingle in every nerve and inquired, "Perhaps I am
wrong. ... I ought not to have talked like this. . . . Will
the great God be annoyed with me?" With these thoughts
within him, he began to cry. As he sobbed he felt com-
forted and in harmony with the higher power. In that
blissful state he had a vision of God. The celestial Visitant
consoled him with the words, "I shall accept all thy offer-
ings, for I am well pleased with thee." In the meanwhile
Moses having reached the heights of Mt. Sinai, sat in
meditation and felt within him the voice of God, saying,
"O Moses! I am thoroughly annoyed with thee. Thou art
guilty of breaking the heart of that shepherd boy, who was
26 THE LIFE OF BABA SAW AN SINGH
communing with me, with all love and affection." The
Prophet was surprised and said, "O God, his words were
not of love but were blasphemous." The great God re-
plied, "Thou knowest that the world of that boy contained
nothing else but barley bread, spinach, goats' milk and
lice. I gave thee wisdom and had thou utilized it, thou
wouldst not have spoken like this. I sent thee into the
world that thou mayest knit me to those who are separated
from me and not that thou shouldst rend asunder loving
hearts that are one with me."
Hazur possessed this attribute in great abundance. He
would unite thousands of people in one common brother-
hood. All of us that are assembled here belong to that
great fraternity into which Hazur bound us together. We
must not only live in peace and harmony, but have love
and affection for all humanity. This will only be possible
when one understands the true import of Hazur's teach-
ings. Generally when such High Souls pass away, the fol-
lowing degenerates; petty-mindedness creeps in and we
begin worshipping mammon and sin.
Hazur used to tell us that when a High Soul comes into
the world, the worshipers of wealth and women also
gather around him. Hence he said, "Whatever a person
asked of me, I granted. He who wanted riches got riches.
He who wished for lands, was given lands. Those who
wanted me alone, got me in abundance." 6
Throughout his lifetime he left no stone unturned for
reforming and improving the angle of vision of the masses.
In spite of his attaining the age of 90, he set aside all his
bodily comforts and stubbornly devoted eighteen out of
24 hours of the day in the service of humanity and thus
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 27
afforded spiritual satisfaction to every aspirant both pub-
licly and in seclusion.
Physical structure composed of flesh, blood and bones,
like machinery, can only work up to a limited extent.
The result of this carelessness towards his bodily rest
and consistent hard labor came out to be that his physi-
cal frame could not endure the burden of weariness any
more; and on continued requests and entreaties from al-
most every individual, Hazur yielded to their prayers and
was inclined to take rest and seek medical advice. Ac-
cordingly, in September 1947, he came to Amritsar for
medical treatment; but before leaving Dera a Managing
Committee for management of Dera affairs was consti-
tuted there.
His health improved a little at Amritsar but it became
worse on 4th October, 1947. On the 5th October, 1947,
Hazur sent for me from Beas. In a week's time his con-
dition was again better.
On the morning of 12th October, 1947, at seven o'clock
he called me. When I was in his august presence, he
said:
"Kirpal Singh! I have allotted all other work but have
not entrusted my task of Naam-initiation and spiritual
work to anyone. That I confer on you today so that this
holy and sacred science may flourish."
Hearing this my eyes were filled with tears, and afflicted
as I was, I beseeched: "Hazur! The peace and security
that I have in sitting at thy feet here cannot be had in
higher planes . . ." My heart was filled with anguish;
I could not speak any more and sat staring — Hazur en-
couraging and caressing me all the time.
28 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
After this whenever I had the honor to be in seclusion
with Hazur, he talked about the interior affairs of Dera
and instructed me how to act when he departed forever.
During the days of his confinement on the bed of
sickness — in the last days of February 1948 — one day
Hazur enquired:
"How many souls have been initiated by me?"
Registers were consulted and after counting was fin-
ished Hazur was told: "Up till now about one hundred
and fifty thousand souls have been awakened by Hazur."
Hazur said: "All right."
On the same day in the evening when I was with him,
Hazur said:
"Kirpal Singh! I have done half of your work and
have given Naam to over one and a half lakh persons
and the rest you have to accomplish."
I, with folded hands and faltering words, said: "Hazur
... it will be as Hazur orders . . . but ... I have a re-
quest ... I wish that this last half of the work may also
be finished by Hazur . . . We will dance as Hazur will
make us dance ... I wish Hazur may remain with us
and sit only watching all that, and all orders will be
complied with in Hazur's presence."
Hazur lay silently gazing at me.
In those very days, one night Hazur mentioning his
inner esoteric experiences remarked:
"The sun has risen high. Can the people of Jullundur
also see this sun?"
The relatives and friends sitting nearby were ignorant
of this secret expression. The opinion of the doctor in
charge was also, like others beside him, that Hazur's
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 29
brain was not working properly on account of his illness.
A little later at night when I went to him, Hazur re-
peated the same question addressing me:
"Kirpal Singh! The sun has risen high. Can the peo-
ple of Jullundur also see this sun?"
I replied: "Yes, Hazur, the sun has risen high — and
not only the people of Jullundur but also those living
in England or America who will traverse to inner planes
can see this sun."*
Thereupon Hazur said: "You have correctly answered
my question."
Similarly Hazur made a mention of several hidden
secrets but those around him were hardly able to grasp
what Hazur was hinting at — this being a subject familiar
only to those who are practical in-lookers and spiritually
skilled. What, therefore, could other poor fellows know
about them?
Surveying the surrounding occurrences and events, Ha-
zur once observed:
"It's a pity that the followers of Sant Mat also are be-
coming a prey to misconception. The teaching of Saints
is 'See with your own eyes. Until you see with your own
eyes, do not even believe your Master.' "
As is said:
Jab lag na dekhun apni naini
Tab lag na patijun Gur ki beni.
Until I see with my own eyes, I will not be
convinced at heart, even by Guru's words.
* Jullundur is a town in East Punjab about fifteen miles from
Beas; Guru Nanak, when nearing his earthly end, also spoke of
this Sun to his sons and to his devoted follower who succeeded
him. The rishis of old referred to it in the Gayatri Mantra.
30 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
This is the dictum and basic pillar of Sant Mat faith
and it is an established fact that the disciple should peep
inside and talk with his Master. Those engaged in abhyas
[or spiritual practices] generally do not forget everything
about, and leave all thoughts of, their physical body for
withdrawal and turning inward. Whoever, with love in
his mind, regularly follows the method according to the
instructions of his Master will meet the Master within and
will testify to the authenticity thereof. This is a way
which can be seen and practiced in one's lifetime. Ac-
cordingly you do and see. But those who do not apply
themselves in abhyas say: "To withdraw and tap inside
is wrong, uncertain, and doubtful, and if at all it is possible
that somebody peeps inside, then the inner experiences
are not believable." Unless they themselves peep inside,
they cannot have faith in the experiences of those few
who do have such experiences. Hazur said: "My fol-
lowers should never trust in such incredulous persons —
un-linked and infirm believers as they themselves are — they
will shake their belief and faith. It is therefore incumbent
on my followers to open their inner eye. When their
soul will withdraw from physical body, they will realize
the truth of it. Remember that this science of traversing
to inner higher planes is not wrong, and is correct, definite,
certain and sure to the last word."
Those who have traversed have corroborated this:
Surat sail asman ki lakh pawe koi Sant,
Tulsi jag jane nahin at utang piya panth.
Sant Tulsi Sahib says:
'The soul of a rare Saint traverses into the higher
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 31
planes and beholds the sight of them. The whole
world is unaware of this highway to Almighty's
throne which is, so to say, enveloped in mystery
and hard to understand."
Gyan ka chanda bhaya akash men,
magan man bhaya ham lakh paya.
Drishti ke khule se nazar sab aiga,
Lakha sansar yeh jhut maya,
Jiv aur Brahma ke bhed ko bujh le,
Shabd ki sanchi taksal laya,
Das Paltu kahe khol parda diya,
Faith ke bhed ham dekh aya.
Sant Paltu Das says:
"The light of all knowledge radiated in heaven
inside, seeing which my mind was full of joy. I saw
it really existing. It can be seen by opening the inner
eye. In that light I saw that all that attracts us here
as well as the whole world is a big fraud. How did
I get to this end? — it was by analyzing the self and
God, through the mint of true Shabd. Thus attuning
to Shabd, Paltu cast asunder the veil and withdrew
inside to see the Truth."
Again one day the Master spake thus:
"I am not tied to one or any particular place. The
Saints who come commissioned from above tell the world
of the true path and those who come seeking true knowl-
edge are informed of the way to meet God. Worldly peo-
ple in order to meet their worldly needs gather round
them and make them as means of earning livelihood.
When such wealth is accumulated in abundance, a number
32 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
out of them turn out to be worshippers of Mammon
whose lust can never be satisfied. When such circum-
stances are created, Saints withdraw from such a place.
The souls of sincere seekers after truth cannot get any
solace from such a place. Such places then become the
seat of mahants and gaddi-nashins* True Saints are not
fastened to any religious sect or dress. They are free per-
sonalities. They are neither a party to one nor a foe to
the other. They impart the true lesson as to how to
reach God. Those who will apply themselves to abhyas in
their company will succeed and the others who keep
themselves aloof and far away from them remain unlucky."
Hazur more than once emphatically declared:
"The mission of spirituality can only be carried on suc-
cessfully by one adept in spirituality. It cannot be entrusted
to a (spiritually) blind person. Whoever has a desire to
find me out can reach me within through one who is
linked with me. You will not find me in the company of
those who are after the possessions of the world. Be not
deceived by such people. Do abhyas and peep inside your
own self and meet me. I do not dwell in the midst of
mayaic insects. Go to some selfless being who is after me
and lives for me and is not after possession of Deras
[ashrams]. Gurumukh is delighted to have his Guru, while
a manmukh wallows in luxury and pleasures of the world
— Maya."
On another occasion Hazur said:
'* These titles are usually given to those working or posing at one
particular place in the name of previous Saints or Sages after the
latter abandon or depart physically.
\
overleaf: Hazur Maharaj Baba Sawan Singh Ji. above:
Baba Sawan Singh laying the joundation stone oj the Sat-
sang Hall, Beas, September 30, 1934. right: Baba Sawan
Singh Ji and Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji.
above: Reading the mail, right: Baba Sawan Singh with
Sant Kirpal Singh and Bibi Ralli.
IW//
■
above: At a picnic, top right: With a group of devotees.
Kirpal Singh is seated on the right of Baba Sawan Singh;
Kirpal Singh's son Darshan is on the ground in front of
him. below right: Another group of devotees. Sant Kir-
pal is standing, second from right, in the middle row.
Sardar Bahadur Jagat Singh is seated on the ground to the
right of Baba Sawan Singh. Sawan Singh's two sons are
standing at left and second from left, in the middle row;
third from left is S. Jodh Singh, Kirpal Singh's elder
brother.
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 33
"Kirpal Singh! The people will flock to the place where
they would find the riches of Naam. What have you to
gain from Dera? You better leave Dera. When Baba Ji
came from Agra, he brought with him neither money nor
followers. He fetched within him only his Guru and
through his blessings the present Dera came into existence.
The sangat is dear to me even now just as it was before.
It is now imperative for the sangat to do abhyas and go
within. By doing so all will be able to understand things
as they are. Everybody has treasures of knowledge with-
in. Even an illiterate man if he secures the assistance of
an educated person can become a graduate and an M.A.
If you sit by some illiterate person for the whole of your
life, you will not be able to attain the degree of M.A.
Do not waste your time. If you want to gain knowledge
of spirituality, then go and sit by some spiritual adept who
is practically skilled. He will wake up the dormant spiritu-
al faculties within you. He has not to give anything from
himself. Keep on impressing the need of abhyas on the
entire sangat and go on doing Satsang. The souls are get-
ting help from within and will continue to get it. You
obey the orders of your Guru. If an obedient wife acts
according to the bidding and wishes of her husband and the
people call her bad names, let them do so. You have
to carry on the mission under the orders of your Master.
Do not care if Mrs. Grundy grunts. Tell everybody to do
abhyas fondly and to invert within to reach the astral
form of the Master."
Thereafter, whenever during Hazur's lifetime I had an
opportunity to go to him, he talked on the subject of
propagating spirituality and gave necessary instructions re-
34 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
garding its real shape, significance and basic fundamentals
of the problem.
Consequently, during Hazur's lifetime and in strict con-
formity with his wishes, in November 1947, a proposal for
"Spiritual Satsang" was laid before him, the main objects
of which were solely the ethical and spiritual benefit of
mankind in general, irrespective of caste, color or creed
— which was heartily appreciated by Hazur saying: "I am
wholly and solely at one with you in this endeavor," and
directed me to give practical shape to the scheme. It is,
therefore, due to his blessings alone that Ruhani Satsang
today is working successfully in and outside Delhi. The
sole objective of this Satsang is to present spirituality to
mankind in general in a lucid scientific form. The subjects
of purification, knowledge of Self and knowledge of God
are being dealt with practically so that people of different
castes and creeds — living in their own circles — are benefit-
ing thereby. Old followers as well as the new ones are de-
riving benefit from this science and everyday inner ex-
periences of both of them plainly show that Hazur Maha-
raj Sahib is helping them with his hidden hand far more
forcefully than ever.
Such ever-living personalities are personified models of
self-sacrifice. Even during his confinement to bed — not
caring for his tender health — Hazur continued to quench
the thirst of those thirsty for spiritual guidance and teach-
ings. Besides the outer help there was inner guidance also
to its fullest extent. Such Master-souls are mere human
beings to our eyes but in reality are Unseen Supreme Pow-
er — clothed in body — that works unfettered beyond the
limits of this body also.
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 35
During the illness of Hazur, when he was unable to
change his sides unaided, many strange incidents came to
light. Even then he helped individuals outwardly as well
as guided them on higher spiritual planes.
In the opinion of doctors he was suffering from tumor
of the bladder. All possible medical aid was rendered but
to no avail.
The subject of the illness of Saints too is no less a per-
plexing event. The fact of it is that this illness of Hazur
was the result of the weight of our karmic debts, of the
deeply-heaved sighs and tears of those afflicted amongst
us.*
Outer dealings of Saints also set the best example of
the exalted human standard of living and character. They
voluntarily take upon themselves the burden of their own
initiated souls without a murmur or mentioning a word of
complaint, and this becomes their usual task.
Every day Hazur grew weaker and weaker in body.
From the night of 29th March, 1948, to the morning of
1st April, unusual restlessness and visible "fluttering" was
seen visiting his physical frame. This symptom was also
created for putting to test those surrounding him.
Throughout the period of his illness Hazur said many a
time:
"If a person proficient in Bhajan and Simran sits by me,
* Saints take the burden of misdeeds of their followers on their
own body to keep those initiated by them clean and thus save
them from pangs and anxiety of the day of judgment. This is
however a poor estimate of the gigantic treasure of love they
have for their disciples, regardless of reciprocity. This is one
of the many great responsibilities that true Saints have to share,
unperceived and unknown to their disciples.
36 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
I feel comforted and relieved. Therefore those who come
to me or sit near me should do Simran."
Accordingly, at the time of appearance of this symptom
of fluttering of the body Hazur again spoke several times
in these words:
"If the person who has to do the work of spirituality
after I depart, comes and sits by me, my trouble will be
gone."
To comply with this — evidently the last wish of the
Master — the near relatives of Hazur came and sat in Bha-
jan and Simran one by one, by the bedside of Hazur, but
there was no relief whatever in the fluttering symptom of
Hazur's body.
On the morning of 1st April, 1948, it was extremely
benevolent of Hazur to afford a chance to this humble
servant — of course through the assistance of a lady in
nursing service of Hazur — to be by the side of Master, in
seclusion, for about ten or fifteen minutes. At that time
with a heavy heart I sat near his bed and prayed to Hazur:
"Master! Thou art above body and bodily influences,
unconcerned as to comforts and discomforts, but we hum-
ble and helpless beings are afflicted hard and cannot en-
dure the sight of Hazur's thus suffering bodily. Thou hast
all powers. We would be extremely grateful if Hazur very
graciously removes this indication of disease on His body."
It is true that prayer succeeds where all other human
efforts fail. Hazur with his utmost benevolence accepted
this prayer.
After the prayer when I opened my eyes, Hazur's body
was in a state of perfect repose. Hazur's forehead was
shining resplendently. He opened his mercy-showering
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 37
lovely eyes intoxicated with God's Divine love and cast a
glance at my humble self — both eyes gleaming with radi-
ance like a lion's eyes. I bowed my head in solemn and
silent adoration and said : "It is all Hazur's benignity."
Hazur steadily kept gazing for three or four minutes
into my eyes, and my eyes, in silent wonderment, experi-
enced an indescribable delight which infused a beverage-
like intoxication down to the remotest cores of my entire
body — such as was never before experienced in my whole
life.
Then those mercy-showering eyes closed not to open
again.
Thus in his 90th year on the morning of 2nd April,
1948, at 8:30, this brilliant Sun of Spirituality, after dif-
fusing his light in the hearts of millions of masses, dis-
appeared to rest below the horizon at Dera Baba Jaimal
Singh.
This untimely passing away of our Reverend Master
was an irreparable loss and a soul-stirring event for one
and all, who received benefit from the company and exis-
tence of his august self. We are now left to lament the
heavy loss and to remember, one by one, his unmatched
qualities, unparalelled love, wit and wisdom and above all
the spiritual charity which enveloped all of us in the mys-
terious fold and attracted us towards him, and ... to bring
forth tears of blood.
This tragedy is fatal indeed for all of us — broken-
hearted as we are. But those who during his lifetime re-
stricted their intercourse with that Emperor of Saints —
the Master — only to the physical plane and had never
witnessed his glory and greatness on the astral and other
38 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
spiritual planes with their own eyes, are feeling the
poignant pangs of separation the most. Those, however,
who had the good luck to meet him on inner planes while
he was existing in physical body are comparatively in less
torments, for, at will, they can even now rise to that
Mightiest of the Mightiest — the Master — and seek solace
by talking to him. Blessed indeed are such souls because
through them are still communicated the requests and
messages of other disciples and abhyasis to Hazur and in
response Hazur's orders to them.
Though Hazur has separated from us physically, yet in
reality he is still not far away. That Power is immortal
and indestructible and is still supervising the actions and
guiding those initiated by him.
While ailing Hazur used to say:
"All the Sangat should devote more and more time to
Simran and Bhajan as I get comfort thereby."
And even now, in the daily internal message of the
Master, emphasis is laid on devoting more time to Simran
and Bhajan — collectively and individually for all his fol-
lowers — so that they may traverse within and meet him
inside face to face. It is therefore incumbent on all initi-
ated by him to take full advantage of these moments of
grief and sorrow by devoting at least four hours a day to
Simran and Bhajan as ordered by him and thereby be
able to fly to higher realms, talk face to face with Master,
and drown their tortures of separation in the great ocean
of immortal existence. The remedy for our lacerated hearts
lies only with that compassionate and sympathetic Messiah.
That boundless ocean of Godly mercy is, even now,
heaving up and down. That Master of Eternal Domain
THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH 39
is keeping his doors open all the time and is calling aloud:
"Bring into actual experience the great principle of
'withdrawal before death'. I am impatiently waiting
for you to come up to me. I am nearer to you than
the nearest. For those of you initiated by me it is a
sacrilege and a mark of disgrace on both love and
devotion if you look upon anybody else as a Guru
or Master-guide. You may, however, derive benefit
from the company of some awakened personality
who pays a visit to me every day. He will not mis-
guide you, but on the contrary, will unite you with
me, will instill my love in you, and will strengthen
the Divine link that binds and ties you to me. More-
over, in the capacity of Gur-bhai [or spiritual broth-
er] he shall be helpful to serve you."
It is therefore clear that for those approximately 150,000
souls initiated by Hazur, the guiding Master is Hazur him-
self. Consequently, all these should engage themselves in
Bhajan and Simran with full faith, confidence, trust and
Dhyan of Hazur alone. All these shall be looked after ulti-
mately in the same form of Hazur. That immortal mes-
senger of our future betterment is continuously watching
and superintending us each moment. Many disciples of
Hazur Maharaj Sahib are getting Hazur's darshan within
these days and those who are thus blessed are mitigating
their sorrowful hearts by talking — far more freely than
ever before — face to face with him. We too — if we divert
our attention from this mortal world and worldly connec-
tions and turn to that Master of the Divine Spring of
Immortality, then Hazur, with his illimitable kindness, will
40 THE LIFE OF BABA SAWAN SINGH
— and there is no doubt about it — appear to us to bestow
his darshan and enveloping us in the circle of his lighted
radiance will take us along to place us at the feet of the
long-loved Lord.
Let us raise our hands in prayer that that fountainhead
of all peace and comfort may grant patience to all those
of us left behind, and inspire us with courage and strength
to enable us to fly to Hazur in higher spiritual regions, to
talk to him and to place our heads at his feet. 7
REFERENCES
1. A Brief Life Sketch of Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, Delhi:
Ruhani Satsang, 1968, pp. 1-2.
2. "Scenes from a Great Life," Sat Sandesh, July 1970. pp. 2-4.
3. "The Spiritual Revolution Explained," Sat Sandesh, April 1973,
p. 27.
4. "Scenes from a Great Life," pp. 4-9.
5. A Brief Life Sketch, pp. 5-10.
6. ''Selections from an Early Discourse," Sat Sandesh, April 1970,
pp. 29-31.
7. A Brief Life Sketch, pp. 10-22.
II
Discourses & Essays
Collected in this section are miscellaneous talks, pam-
phlets, etc., on various aspects of the Path of the Masters,
issued by Sant Kirpal Singh Ji over a period of twenty
years — from 1954 to 1974.
man! know thyself. One of the most popular of all of
Kirpal Singh's writings, this was originally a talk given
by the Master in the early days of his mission, recorded
on tape, and sent to the West for the benefit of his Amer-
ican disciples. The tape was somewhat unsatisfactory be-
cause the difference between the machine in India on which
it was recorded, and those in America on which it was
played, resulted in the Master's voice playing too fast and
sounding distorted. Nevertheless it carried the Master's
charging, and many people, including this writer, spent
many hours listening to it over and over, at a time when
few tapes were available. The talk was first published as
a pamphlet in January 1954 and has gone through eleven
printings. The original text was revised slightly by the
Master in 1970, and that is the version included here.
Man! Know Thyself
Kind hearts are the gardens,
Kind thoughts are the roots;
Kind words are the blossoms,
Kind deeds are the fruits.
Since the beginning of Creation, when the first flicker
of self-awakening dawned on man, his attention has
been more and more concerned with the problem of his
own worldly existence and the investigation into the cause
and source of all Creation. For ages he has probed and
queried in vain; but now at last his increasing thirst for
knowledge is turning him to study the results achieved by
others in the field.
Ancient and modern sages asked, "What is that, the
knowledge of which makes everything else known?" and
in the same breath replied, "Knowledge of the Higher
Self — the True Man." So the Supreme Knowledge is that
which deals both in theory and practice with Man's true
nature and his relation to God. It is in fact a natural sci-
ence without hypothesis, subject neither to change nor
time.
In ancient India it was called "Para Vidya" (Science of
Realized Truth or Science of the Beyond), and different
denominations sprang up to interpret this knowledge. The
term "Apra Vidya," standing for preparation for achieving
the knowledge of Para Vidya, was then introduced. This
44 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
preparation consists of following an ethical and moral life,
and the practice of concentration or meditation (in so
many ways), both being indispensable for spiritual devel-
opment.
Man is constantly changing or introducing new names
and terminologies to describe this Science. The Masters
were called "Sant," and the nature of knowledge "Mat,"
thus giving us the term "Sant Mat," which is at present
mostly used to name the Path of the Masters. Other terms,
such as Shabd Yoga, Sural Shabd Yoga, Sehaj Yoga, are
also used to describe the same Science. In the Sanskrit lan-
guage, the word "Sant" means a Master of the Highest
Order; and "Mat" is a confirmed opinion or statement
made by an adept after personal experience. The founda-
tion of this Science therefore is the result of critical study,
minute investigation, and the life-long personal verifica-
tion of facts based on practical experience of the Self in
man. This experience of the Self is something that a com-
petent Master is prepared to give to each individual who
approaches him. Sant Mat, therefore, is the teaching, sys-
tem, and path of the Saints.
The Masters do not attach any importance to names,
designations, or the fact that many religious sects, groups
and circles have claimed this Science as their own and
named it after their leaders or founders. They look upon
these groups as schools where man — the noblest being in
Creation — can study with other men as children of one
and the same Almighty Father. A Master (also called Sant
Satguru) has complete mastery of both theory and prac-
tice, and is competent to impart both knowledge and ex-
perience to all sincere seekers after Truth, without any
man! know thyself 45
distinction whatever of color, caste or creed, Any man or
woman, whether rich or poor, young or old, sage or sin-
ner, learned or unlearned, who is able to grasp the theory
of the Science has a right to acquire this knowledge.
Present Fate of Various Beliefs and Faiths
The dictionary defines mat as wisdom; but the collo-
quial meaning of the term is a sect or faith, a group of
people holding certain opinions or beliefs in common. Such
beliefs and opinions, however, based on stray knowledge
and teachings, are not sufficient without the support of
personal experience; and therefore the seeker is led astray
by mere empty words. Many societies, faiths, and other
religious circles have only a legacy of books, beliefs and
theories to offer those who thirst after Spirituality. They
conceal their shortcomings and deficiencies behind a screen
of warm welcome, an outpouring of technique and termi-
nology, and the liberal use of sayings and quotations from
the enormous mass of literature on the market today.
Propaganda and acting and posing have taken the place
of practical Spirituality, with the result that the deluded
public is being repelled from sacred books and thoughts
of God. Atheism therefore is on the increase.
To believe in a thing or fact without troubling to inves-
tigate it does not in any way do credit to an intelligent
man. On the contrary, it reflects adversely on his ignor-
ance or credulity. Any belief not based on personal experi-
ence and verification of the facts has little value. The mod-
ern man wants a well-defined, clear cut Science, capable of
verification by his own experience and giving concrete
results. We should therefore try to see and hear with our
46 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
own eyes and ears rather than with the eyes and ears of
others.
Self-Analysis
Man is composed of body, mind (intellect) and soul.
We are extremely careful to develop ourselves physically
and mentally, but understand very little about the soul,
which is the power ruling both the body and the mind.
Physical joys are not lasting, and there are limitations of
body and mind that we cannot ignore; so we must search
for the perennial source of joy and peace within ourselves.
Self-analysis is the first step in this direction.
Many doubts assail our minds at this stage. There is an
Omnipotent Power called God, believed in, worshiped and
talked about by most people. Can we know more about
Him? Can we see Him and talk to Him? There is a defi-
nite and clear reply to these questions; the Master in a few
brief words explains, "Yes, we can see and speak to Him;
that is, if we become as exalted as He is said to be." Mas-
ters say "Yes," and we do not have to wait until death
comes, but we can experience it right now. This is in con-
sonance with Laws of Nature of which we have as yet no
knowledge worth the name.
All around us we see and feel that everything from the
tiny atom to the mighty Universe is governed by a Law of
Nature. So, to the profound thinker, there is nothing cha-
otic, haphazard or uncertain about this Universe and the
laws which govern it. To gain any objective, there is a Law
of Nature, a principle and method involved for checking,
testing and weighing the result of our endeavors. So it is
too in this Science of Nature, and similar methods can be
traced in all religious scriptures by any careful student,
man! know thyself 47
though expressed in different words and various languages.
We wish to enter the Kingdom of God; "but how?" we
ask ourselves. "With the help and guidance of one who
has himself entered and can guide us there," is the simple
reply from the Masters. "Is it possible?" "It is a knowl-
edge which is as exact and sure as two and two make
four," is again their reply. It is not enough to be content
with holy books and the singing of praises and hymns. We
must strive for the same degree of advancement as the
authors of the talks and knowledge recorded in these
books achieved. Their experience must become our ex-
perience, for "what a man has done, a man can do"; of
course, with proper help and guidance. We should stop
at nothing short of this.
"We have hardly a dim spark of love for Him; will it
help to cherish a hope?" is another question asked, to
which the Saints reply, "It is sufficient to make you eligible
for the Highest Science of approach to Him." This is a
pleasing ray of hope. Oh! if this small spark could be
kindled into a flame! Again, we say, "Jesus and other great
Masters spoke so lovingly of Him, but we are sinners and
there may not be much hope for us in this age." The Mas-
ters' soothing reply is, "No matter if you are the worst of
sinners, stop where you are. There is hope for everybody,
even in this crucial age." Ages ago, Nature provided for
us materially and spiritually. Today the same unchange-
able Law is operating and will continue to do so in the
future. There is food for the hungry and water for the
thirsty. Nature's inexorable and eternal Law of demand
and supply always works.
It is only through a living Master that we can contact
48 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
the Almighty God within us. In Sant Mat. contemplation
of objects or images is not advised, as this is harmful to
progress. Photographs of the Masters are for remembrance
and recognition only, and on no account should we be-
come attached to such external practices.
The Teachings of the Masters (Man-Making)
A man, according to the science of Para Vidya, is not
entitled to be called a man in the true sense of the word
unless he has full knowledge, both theoretical and practi-
cal, of his distinguished position in Creation, his several
component parts — body, mind, and soul — in order of com-
parative importance, and of his relationship to the Unseen
Power called God; which is to be achieved while he is liv-
ing on this earth. He who does not understand this much
has not even been introduced to the first lesson and is yet
to begin the Alphabet of Man. The Saints therefore im-
press upon us the need for "Man-making."
Satsang
When scientifically observed facts drawn from practice
and experiment are explained verbally to a gathering by
a Master Saint, it is called Satsang (external). This Satsang
constitutes the theoretical side of the teachings; whereas
the actual demonstration given to develop and achieve
inner advancement is the practical part, called meditation
or Satsang (internal). Conscientious practice brings fruit
within days or weeks and it is not necessary to wait years
for results, though progress also depends to some extent
on one's past background. A true Master gives a first-hand
inner experience at the very first sitting. When the practi-
man! know thyself 49
cal side is neglected due to lack of firmness or determina-
tion, carelessness or pressure of circumstances, scholars of
many religious schools dwell more and more upon theory
alone. The decline of the Science then commences and
man finds no solace. This is usually the case when a Master
leaves the body. Adequate provision however is made for
the revival of this Science in every age, when both the
Positive and Negative Powers commence their rounds
again: the former through the agency of Master-souls,
while the latter works through persons — so-called Mas-
ters — who lack practical experience or are lost in theoreti-
cal disputations. Master-souls, though quite ordinary men
in appearance, are a great deal more. Just as it is difficult
for us to judge a scientist, a doctor or an engineer until
they speak out or display their skill and knowledge, so too
we cannot recognize the knowledge and authority of a
Master until we have experienced the Divine Power work-
ing though him.
In this Science there is no secrecy or mystery. The ob-
jective is constructive and beneficial to all, and so the
Saints have torn aside the curtain of secrecy which usually
covers mystic teachings to make them available to each
and every one who calls. There is an Unseen Power work-
ing through the Saints. Why this Power prefers to remain
concealed from the human eye is a question to be asked
directly by contacting the human pole through whom this
Power is working. This is the only medium of approach to
this Power. If we wish to use electric energy we must go
to a switch or pole which will put us in contact with the
powerhouse. The Unseen Power may be called a Sea of
Love. When we wish to bathe in the sea, we go to the edge
50 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
where the shallow waters begin and then say that we have
bathed in the sea. Thus, to experience this Power and to
derive benefit from it, we must go to the only source of
contact — a Master Saint.
Life Beyond Death
Saints say that Nature has designed man to leave his
physical body at will, transcend to higher planes, and then
return to the body. They help each aspirant personally and
each receives a practical experience, however little it may
be, during the very first sitting at the time of Initiation. A
person who is competent to give a man this personal ex-
perience of withdrawal or separation (temporary) from
the body, and who can thus put him on the way back to
God, is a genuine Master, Saint, or Satguru. The heads of
different religious organizations were intended to do just
this, but we may judge for ourselves their efficacy today.
The first-hand experience we receive, through the kind-
ness of a real Saint, is in itself the solution to the problem
of death. According to the Bible, "Unless you are born
anew, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." So to
be born anew is to leave one's body and enter into the Be-
yond — a transition from the physical to the astral plane.
Some day we have to leave this temporary structure which,
like a building of bricks and mortar, deteriorates with time.
There is no appeal to the Laws of Nature against the
"death sentence." We fear death because of the agony and
suffering which it brings, and also because of the uncer-
tainty that lies ahead in the Beyond. We fear illness be-
cause it brings us near death's door; so we struggle to live
though we know that our end is certain. No soothing words
man! know thyself 51
from doctors, friends, relatives or priests can bring peace
and comfort to our minds at the time that Nature's de-
structive process commences. This is the natural course
of things and we cannot deceive Nature.
What then is the remedy? There is only one way out of
this abyss of despair: to adopt and accustom ourselves,
during our lifetime, to Nature's process of the withdrawal
of the spirit current from the body, while still in a con-
scious state. This may be done with the help of a Master,
and may be accomplished without any suffering or trouble
whatever. This is not only a possibility but is a remarkable
fact. Our joy will know no bounds when we come into
possession of the secret that has baffled man for so many
centuries. We become supermen, having possession of a
key to peace and heaven, the life of which we had till then
only read about in sacred scriptures. Arise, therefore, and
awake! before it is too late to put this Science into prac-
tice. If we observe closely the process of death in a dying
man, we see the pupils of his eyes turn upwards a little
(afterwards they may return to normal) and then he be-
comes senseless. But when they draw upwards too much,
he dies. Life ebbs out via the root of the eyes and becomes
disconnected from the ties of the physical body and the
sense organs. Knowledge of this process and the method
by which we may travel this Way during our very lifetime
is the solution to the problem of death. No physical exer-
cises are necessary; there are no drugs to swallow and no
blind faith to cultivate. The mystery of life and death is
solved easily with the help of a Master Saint, who will
give you an experience of the process and put you on the
highway to the inner realms. Even when acting indirectly
52 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
through an authorized agent, he still remains the respon-
sible power. Distance is immaterial to the Masters.
What is there to be gained by this process? This can-
not be described in words. At the time of Initiation, the
aspirant sees the real Light within him, whereas normally
the inner eye is covered by a thick veil of darkness. He
then realizes that the tradition of the lighted candle found
in churches and temples is to remind him of the Divine
Light of Heaven within. This Light grows to the radiance
of several suns put together as he advances on the Way.
He understands that the unceasing internal Sound he con-
tacts within is the Divine Link called "Word" by Christ,
Kalma and Nida-i-Asmani in the Koran, Nad in the
Vedas, Udgit in the Upanishads, Sarosha by the Zoro-
astrians, and Naam and Shabd by the Saints and Masters.
In time, he meets the Master within, talks to him face to
face, and is henceforth certain of his grace, guidance and
protection wherever he may go, even to the other end of
the world. With such evident proofs before him, he is now
confident of himself and of the Science. Only then can he
be called a theist in the true sense of the word, and can
smile at those who talk of religion as a fool's paradise,
a phantom conjured up by crafty priests, and the opium of
the masses. He has found a sure ingress through the
doorway of heaven in this life, and is on the threshold of
viewing, both internally and externally, the secrets of Na-
ture. He is truly "Knocking at the door of Heaven" or
"tapping inside." Words of opposition cannot shake his
faith in the Science as the Master guides him onward.
Death becomes a voluntary process. Past, present and fu-
ture merge into one, and he grasps the incontestable
53
man! know thyself
Truth, the essence of Being, in the palm of his hand. Lib-
erated from the body, which now appears as a husk with-
out the kernel, he knows that he is Soul, an inseparable
part of the Eternal Spirit, and so he presses onward to his
original source. The world appears as a dream to him, but
under the instructions from his Master, he returns to his
mundane life, wise and fearless in the discharge of his
duties.
Preliminary Qualifications for an Aspirant
Just as in any other science, certain preliminary qualifi-
cations are required before much progress can be made.
Married life, hard work, or a poor environment are no
bar. It does not count in your favor that you may hold a
high position or possess immense wealth. Neither does
membership in a particular faith serve as a recommenda-
tion. Wherever he may be, a man must strive for nobility
of character, self-control and purity of heart. Purity of
heart in thought, word, and deed, is essential. "Blessed are
the pure in heart for they shall see God." An ethical life
is a stepping stone to Spirituality, but Spirituality, how-
ever, is not just ethical living. This we must always bear
in mind.
We can divide man's life into (i) diet, and (ii) his deal-
ings with others. With regard to diet, vegetarianism and
abstinence from alcohol and drugs are essential. "Thou
shalt not kill" and "Live and let live" should be our prin-
ciples in life. The body is the temple of God and is a
sacred place. We are not to neglect or abuse it, but should
take the best possible care to properly maintain it. All in-
toxicants are also to be avoided as they make us morbid
54 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
and of shaky consciousness. With regard to our dealings
with others, we should sow the seed of kindness in order
to reap its fruit. Love and humility are most necessary.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
"Love, and all blessings shall be added unto you." "Love
thine enemy, and do good to them that despitefully use
you." God is immanent in every form and whoever loves
God, must love God's Creation. To love God is to love all
humanity. We should also earn our living by the sweat of
our brow and share with others. These are not empty say-
ings, but very wise and sound advice.
Karma (Actions and Deeds)
Each thought, each word and each deed has to be ac-
counted for and compensated for in Nature. Every cause
has an effect and every action brings about a reaction. Up-
root the cause and the effect disappears. This has been
done by the Masters who have transcended these laws,
but all others are bound by the bonds of Karma, which is
the root cause of physical existence and the clever device
of Nature to maintain this existence. The law of Karma
sees to it that we are paid an eye for an eye and tooth for
a tooth, in the shape of joy or suffering. It is the goading
whip in the hidden hands of Nature. The mind contracts
Karma, puts a covering on the soul and rules the body
through the organs and the senses. Although it is the soul
that imparts strength to the mind, the latter has assumed
sovereignty and is governing the soul instead. Control of
the mind, therefore, is the first step to Spirituality. Victory
over the mind is victory over the world. Even accom-
plished yogis and mystics who can transcend to relatively
man! know thyself 55
high spiritual realms are not left untouched by the hand
of Karma.
Saints classify Karmas into three distinct groups, as
follows:
(i) Sanchil (stored): Good or bad deeds that stand to
our account as earned and contracted in all previous bod-
ies of the order of Creation, counting from the day of the
first appearance of life on earth. Alas! Man knows nothing
about them or their extent.
(ii) Prarabdha (Fate or Destiny) : The result and effect
of which has brought man into his present body and has
to paid off in this life. The reactions of these Karmas
come to us unexpectedly and unperceived and we have no
control over them whatsoever. Good or bad, we have to
tolerate or bear this Karma laughing or weeping, as it
happens to suit us.
(iii) Kriyaman (Account of our actions and deed in
the present body): This is distinct from the above men-
tioned two groups because here man is free to do exactly
as he pleases, within certain limits. Knowingly or unknow-
ingly, deeds committed and coming under this heading
bear fruit. The result of some of these we reap before we
die and the residue is transferred to the Sanchit storehouse.
Karma is the cause of rebirth and each birth is in turn
followed by death. Thus the cycle of enjoyment and suffer-
ing, which are concomitants of birth and death, continues.
"As you think, so you become," is an unalterable Law of
Nature, owing to which this Universe exists. No amount
of integrity or genius can absolve a man so long as there
is the slightest trace of Karma. Ignorance of the Law is no
excuse, and though there may be some concession or relax-
56 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
ation with man-made laws under special circumstances,
there is no such allowance made for this in Nature's Laws.
Prayer, confession and atonement may give temporary
mental relief but they cannot overcome Karma. All Karma
must be wiped out completely before permanent salvation
can be had.
Disturbed by these facts, Man seeks solace in deep pious
doctrines, or when he comes to know that both good and
bad deeds are fetters — one of gold, the other of iron — he
turns to Renunciation. Different faiths promise relief but
he soon finds out that this is only temporary. How then
does a Master approach this problem? At the time of Initi-
ation, the Master begins the process of winding up all Kar-
mas of the initiate. He gives him a contact with the Sound
Current, by practicing which the Sanchit account is burnt
away. The process is similar to putting a handful of seeds
in a pan and placing them on a fire, which causes the
seeds to puff up and lose their property of growing again.
Then the Kriyaman account is dealt with. After warning
his disciples to guard against opening any new account of
bad deeds, the Master grants a general clemency in respect
of bad deeds, part of which the disciple has already settled
in this life up to the time of Initiation. He is enjoined to
lead a clean life and to weed out all imperfections in him
by self-introspection from day to day. The Prarabdha Kar-
ma is not touched by Saints because this is the cause of
the physical body, which would vanish due to the interfer-
ence with Nature's Laws. Thus a very small amount of
Karma now remains to be tolerated in the physical body
for the remaining years of the disciple's life, but even this
is softened by the grace of the Master. The law of grace
man! know thyself 57
works wonders and a devotee who, out of loving devotion,
reposes all his hopes in the Master, passes off unscathed
from the pinching effects of the reactions of past Karmas.
In moments of misery, worry and trouble, the Master is
our refuge. He acts unperceived at any distance. Just as a
mother of a sick child holds the child securely in her lap
during an operation so that it does not feel any pain, so
too the Master holds us in his loving embrace. Out of their
abundance of sympathy, love and kindness, the Saints at
times take upon their own shoulders some Karmic suffer-
ings of their disciples through the Law of Sympathy. There
is no court of trial after death for a devoted disciple. The
Master is all in all for him.
Why does a Master Saint take all this on himself? Be-
cause he inherits his merciful nature from God above, who
commissions him to personally distribute this treasure of
mercy. Thus the Master is honored like God. Sant Mat has
volumes of books written in praise of the Masters, and if
just as many books were to be written, it would hardly
do justice to the vastness of their love and kindness.
Time casts its heavy shadow over man. He has to work
hard to keep pace with the changing times. So deeply is
he absorbed in his external needs and desires that he for-
gets all about contentment, sympathy and love. Entangled
and surrounded by the "Deadly Five" — lust, anger, greed,
attachment and vanity — he stumbles and cries out to the
Unseen for help. Heaven's mercy is stirred and as times
stiffen, the Almighty extends His help through the Masters
more and more lavishly. Such is the case in this Kali Yuga
— the Iron Age.
It is indeed very hard to believe that anyone can be
58 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
above the five passions mentioned above, and that he can
enter the Kingdom of Heaven during his lifetime. All
mankind is under the control of these five and only a Mas-
ter can save a man from their clutches. We all demand
reliable proof before committing ourselves, and this is
given by a Master in the shape of an experience of the life
impulse or Naam (the Word) and some inner vision. Con-
tact with a Master is essential. Those who keep aloof and
depend on themselves or rely on tradition and priests —
equally ignorant as themselves — are deprived of contact
with this Power; and as the saying goes, "When the blind
lead the blind, both fall into the ditch."
Indifference, non-acceptance or disbelief will not be to
our advantage when Nature enforces its Universal Ordi-
nance — Death. Our position will be that of a pigeon who,
on seeing a cat approaching, shuts its eyes and believes
that the cat cannot then molest it; but in a few seconds the
poor bird is in the powerful jaws of the cat. It is then too
late to think of escape. So be alert while there is yet time!
Spirituality
Perhaps it will not be out of place to explain here the
meaning of the term "Spirituality," which is often con-
fused with blind faith in sacred books, a display of mira-
cles, psychic phenomena or Yogic powers. Spirituality is
an inner experience and its alphabet begins where all phi-
losophy and Yoga practices end. It is the experience of the
soul. When one says, "I am the body," it is a feeling based
on the intellect and is defined as ignorance. When he says,
"I am not the body, I am an awakened soul," it is learnt
knowledge or theory only; but when he gets an actual ex-
man! know thyself 59
perience of the soul by self-analysis and contacts the Over-
self, it is called Spirituality. The first practical lesson com-
mences when there is a complete withdrawal from the
physical body through the kindness of a practical Master.
No one can withdraw and separate himself from the physi-
cal body unaided. If anyone claims otherwise and thinks
that he can, he but deceives himself. All attempts without
the assistance of a Master, who alone is qualified to im-
part this experience, will end in failure. Masters come to
distribute this treasure of spiritual blessings to seekers af-
ter Truth. Spirituality cannot be bought or taught, but it
can be caught by contact with spiritual people. Moreover,
Nature's gifts such as air, water, light, etc., are free. Spir-
ituality is also Nature's gift and is also given free by the
Masters. Likewise, Spirituality cannot be acquired from
books, which is a fact all sacred scriptures uphold. Books
are a valuable record of the inner experiences of others in
Spirituality. They fill up gaps in history and contain mes-
sages from past Masters, which help us to verify the facts
revealed by a living Master, thus confirming our faith in
the Science. Man is confused by the various translations,
interpretations and expositions, each different from the
other, which instead of relieving his mind, tend rather to
bewilder and confuse him. His egoism too has created hun-
dreds of religious circles, whose aim is aloofness and nar-
row orthodoxy instead of love, and insularity instead of
integration. Torn between conflicting emotions, men de-
velop hatred and think of war.
For an understanding of the Science of the Masters, we
attend Satsang, where the majority of our doubts are
cleared. Direct answers from the Master will help to re-
60 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
move any remaining doubts. All questions receive the same
calm consideration and no arguments are offered. Rich or
poor, high or low, all receive equal attention in the same
manner as a doctor should attend to the sick. A true Mas-
ter views a man's rights and wrongs as clearly as one sees
the contents of a glass jar, but he reveals nothing. Sitting
before him, even those who do not understand his language
are benefited, just as one in a perfumer's shop enjoys the
smell of sweet scents. The Master showers blessings
through his looks, which the eager ones catch. His eyes
are a wonderful spray of love.
The Criterion for Judging a True Master
Do not judge a Master by his external appearance, gen-
ealogical descent, rich or poor attire, country of origin,
how he talks, eats or the position he holds, the number of
books that he is the author of, or by what people say about
him. First receive the inner experience he promises; then
judge from that elevated angle of vision. Self-experience
is the criterion for judging a genuine Master. Any living
person who sees things from a spiritual level — man and
his embarrassments, difficulties and helplessness — and who
has studied the problems confronting humanity, can pro-
vide their solutions, and is also able to correct and guide
man visibly and invisibly, morally and spiritually, in theory
as well as in practice — only such a person is fit to take the
responsible position of a Master. Blessed are those who
experience a stirring emotion of happiness and longing in
their hearts on hearing the news that such a Master exists
and is near.
Spirituality is a science simpler and easier than other
man! know thyself 61
sciences. Man has not to exert except in molding himself
ethically and morally to the climax of love, sincerity and
humility, which will produce the necessary state of recep-
tivity in him. Everything else is in the hands of the Master.
Again, a movement, no matter how spiritual it may appear
to be on the surface, should not be judged by the number
of followers that it has. A good speaker can attract crowds
anywhere, yet there may not be anything material or con-
vincing in his speech. Spirituality is not the exclusive pos-
session of any family or place, but it is like a scented flower
that grows wherever Nature has ordained, around which
the bees gather from far and wide to sip its nectar. Mas-
ters do not rush after glory of self, although they certainly
deserve such glory. Even in ordinary talks, they will be
heard to say, "Oh, it is all the grace of my Master. It is
none of my doing. My Master deserves all the praise and
credit." This humility places them far above the low level
of egoism found in this world.
Masters have come in all ages to offer this Natural Sci-
ence to man. Only those who are discontented with this
world rush to them. Others, to whom worldly attractions,
pleasures and luxuries are dear, turn their backs. Those in
whose hearts all noble sentiments are dead not only put all
possible obstacles in the way of the Saints, but also subject
them to various kinds of tortures, as a study of the lives of
Jesus, Guru Nanak, Kabir and others will show. Masters
have come in the past, are existing today, and will con-
tinue to come in the future for the spiritual benefit of man.
To suppose and accept that Spirituality has become the
sole prerogative of any religion after the passing of the
Master on whose teachings it is based, and that sacred
62 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
books are the only guide, shows the thoughtlessness of
man.
How can we distinguish between a genuine and a false
Master? There is in fact no such testing stone or magical
formula except that of self-experience, for discriminating
right from wrong, truth from falsehood, and reality from
unreality. Even in the time of Emperor Janak (the father
of Sita of the Ramayana) who was prepared to pay a big
fee for the theoretical knowledge of this Science, only one,
Yagyavalkya, out of all the Rishis, Yogis and Munis in
India, was able to do so and won the prize. Yagyavalkya
however, had the moral courage to admit, "Gargi, I know
the theory only but have no personal experience of it." On
a second occasion, Emperor Janak proclaimed that he
wanted a practical experience of this Science on a certain
date, and that in a very short time too, not exceeding the
time taken to straddle a horse and put each foot in its
stirrup. Great Yogis and Rishis throughout the length and
breadth of India were invited, but at the appointed time
only one person stepped forward to accept the challenge.
This was a hunchback named Ashtavakra, who had eight
humps in his body. The audience, taking him for a maniac,
laughed aloud at his appearance. Ashtavakra said, "How
can you expect to get spiritual experience from these cob-
blers you have collected, who have eyes only for the skin
of the body but cannot see within?" The experience was
duly given to the Emperor within the allotted time. The
point to consider is that at the time when Spirituality was
thriving, only one person came forward to accept the chal-
lenge. In these times then, when materialism is on the in-
crease, we do not find competent Masters growing like
man! know thyself 63
mushrooms. So search we must, not allowing false propa-
ganda, the testimony of others, blind faith, the promise of
future happiness, and our regard for position, wealth and
pleasure, to lead us astray. When such personalities come,
they are competent to give life to millions of people who
go to them. They are the children of Light, and give Light
to all humanity.
Blind faith is one of the main obstacles to overcome.
What we simply listen to, read, or follow without investi-
gating as to what and where it will lead to, is blind faith.
If one is careless and forgets the ends while following the
means, so that he does not see whether he is nearing the
end or not, it is still blind faith. When one goes to a Mas-
ter and listens attentively to the explanations given by him
on the subject of gaining Self-Knowledge by self-analysis,
duly supported by one or more quotations from the valu-
able sayings of various Saints, he is intellectually con-
vinced to tread the path as an experimental measure and
act up to what the Master says with faith for the time
being. This is the first stepping-stone to learn about Real-
ity. When he has the first-hand experience, of whatever de-
gree it may be, he is convinced and progresses from day to
day. Today man listens to talks, lectures and sermons, ac-
cepts and believes these all his life, and takes for granted
that he has been placed firmly on the way to salvation. But
when death comes with all its sufferings, pangs of separa-
tion, and fears of the unknown, he realizes his mistake.
Man's life-long habit of attachment to his body occupies
all his thoughts, while friends, doctors, relatives and priests
stand by helpless and despairing.
It is here that the Science of Para Vidya is of great help
64 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
to us. The soul's withdrawal from the body is greatly
eased and the Master appears to receive and guide it fur-
ther in the Beyond. Death is to such a one the happiest of
events and like marriage, is the union with the Beloved.
He has already visited and convinced himself of the superi-
ority of the higher regions and traverses the familiar ter-
ritory without fear. My Master, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh
Ji, when impressing the need of spiritual practices on his
disciples, used to say to them, "Go and see a disciple dying
to become convinced." Saints believe in salvation during
one's lifetime and not in salvation after death. This is in-
deed a simple and easy science, and the disciple should
never rest content with his Initiation without spiritual ex-
perience. He should then devote regular time to the spirit-
ual practices, and the Master must be regularly informed
of his progress. He should constantly seek the guidance of
his Master personally or by letter, without entertaining
thoughts that he is bothering him. The Master knows by
intuition how each disciple is faring and can remove most
of his difficulties by thought transference or other means,
but he wishes any difficulties in progress to be brought to
his notice in writing.
The ancient path of Surat Shabd Yoga or Para Vidya
is one that can be followed by men, women and children
of all ages without any difficulty, unlike other ways which
involve complicated strenuous exercises and control of the
breath. These, at the most, lead to a slight control over
the self and a few paltry powers. The latter methods also
require a strong physique and a rich diet. As such, they are
condemned by the Masters as unsuited to this age, and as
involving physical dangers to the body.
man! know thyself 65
The Science
In the physical body, two main currents are working that
control life: one a motor current (breathing or prana) and
the other a sensory current, which may also be called at-
tention or surat. The Masters ignore the former so that
the breathing is not interfered with and the life process
goes on. The sensory current ramifies thoughout the en-
tire body, but its main center lies between and behind the
two eyebrows, along with the mind. We have to withdraw
the sensory current or spirit to its center.
Initiation
The mind will not allow man to have knowledge of the
soul. Its nature is to seek pleasure and its constant fluctu-
ations are difficult to subdue. Attuning one's self with the
internal Sound Current is the best way to calm the mind
and practice concentration. It does not matter what school
of thought or society a man may belong to. He has not to
convert himself and can remain where he is. There are no
hard and fast rules, no rituals, no ceremonies, no pomp
and show, no offering of gifts, not even of flowers. All that
a disciple has to do is to enter inside and henceforth con-
sider the body as his laboratory. With regard to the theory,
he has to understand the following, which is briefly the
pith of what he will hear at Satsangs :
( 1 ) The Master is not the body, he is the Power function-
ing through the body and uses it to teach and guide
man in much the same way as a spirit uses a medium.
Only in bodily form will the disciple be able to rec-
ognize his Master in the higher regions and here on
earth.
66 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
(2) The Master is Shabd, Word, Nad, etc., all of which
refer to the God-into-expression Power of Light and
Sound Principle. By having contact with this Power,
man is led back to his true Home.
(3) For the sake of those who are disillusioned with life,
and who yearn for permanent happiness and peace
away from the world and its worries, the Word as-
sumes a body to afford them solace. The Bible says,
"Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." Once a
disciple contacts this Word (which is done at the time
of Initiation by the Master), the audible form of this
Word resides within him every moment of the day
and night and never leaves him — not even after the
end of man's physical existence on earth. It will go
with him and stay with him until he achieves the final
goal. The Word is also known as the Voice of God
or the Sound Current, and is the Life impulse given
by the Master at the time of Initiation. It may be
heard as a sound coming from a distance and gradu-
ally develops into such sweetness that no music on
earth can excel it. It is the Water of Life, the Spring
of Immortality, the Elixir of Life, the Nectar of Spir-
ituality, etc., that is spoken of in holy books.
(4) Man has an inner eye with which he can see within
himself all the higher regions when the veil is rent
asunder by a competent living Master. In this state he
remains perfectly conscious and undergoes amazing
experiences. To ascend into the higher regions with-
out a competent Master is fraught with dangers.
man! know thyself 67
SlMRAN
The repetition of the holy names is given to the disciple
at the time of Initiation as a guard against all dangers. It
acts also as a password to all spiritual planes, gives
strength and sustenance to the body and mind during
trouble and afflictions, brings the soul nearer to the Master,
is instrumental in achieving concentration, and imparts
many other diverse powers. Simran taught by a so-called
Master is just a bunch of words. But these very words be-
come electrified when charged with the attention and grace
of a real Master.
Initiation commences with the explanation and descrip-
tion of inner spiritual regions and the way in which the
path is to be pursued. The opening of the inner vision to
see the inner regions, with their distinct heavenly lights,
together with the contact with the Divine Link or Sound
Current, constitutes the practical side of Initiation. Daily
practice of these, combined with Simran, is meditation. In
addition to this, the Master gives instructions on pure and
simple living, the need for devoting regular time to the
practices, and other words of sound advice. The whole
ceremony takes from two to three hours. Diaries of one's
spiritual progress must be kept and the mistakes of old
and new disciples are corrected from time to time to insure
progress.
Miracles
Master Saints never show any miracles to a disciple ex-
cept in rare cases due to special circumstances. Miracles
are in accordance with the laws of nature but are never-
theless terrible entangling webs, detrimental to the highest
68 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
ideals of man in his approach to Almighty God. It is a
subject that an ordinary man would not care to study, for
the simple reason that it requires immense self-control and
training of the mind, with restrictions that he would not
like to tolerate or pursue. The miraculous powers achieved
after a lengthy period of time are instrumental in doing
both good and harm, and as they are utilized more for
harm than anything else, they are termed as a disease by
all truly spiritual persons. The Masters are in possession
of Supreme Power, but their mission is sacred. A disciple
whose inner vision has been opened sees any number of
miracles at each step. To hesitate to believe in a Master
without seeing miracles is as foolish as a refusal to believe
that a certain person is a multi-millionaire unless he shows
us his money. He may have all his money deposited in a
bank and wishes to spend it in the way that he chooses,
without caring for public applause or approval. Out of an
audience of several thousands watching a magician perform
his tricks, only a very small number would thereby be in-
duced to learn the art. Those who are anxious to see mira-
cles are not true seekers.
General
Today the world is crying out for a better understanding,
for peace and freedom from conflict. This science of self-
analysis that reveals the Brotherhood of Man and the
Fatherhood of God is the remedy which can reconstruct
a healthy culture, and propagate harmony between man
and man. He who claims to love the invisible God but has
no regard or love for his visible fellow man is lost indeed.
To love, revere and feel grateful to our fellow man is to
man! know thyself 69
love and revere God. So too, the love for the visible Mas-
ter, our closest connecting link with God, is in reality love
for the Supreme Father. We should therefore try to meas-
ure the depth of God's mercy and grace through a Master
Saint, who is God's visible representative. It has Spiritual-
ity as its end and is not idolatry. The atmosphere in which
such a genuine Master moves is charged with currents of
peace and love which affect those who come into contact
with him. Even letters written by or on behalf of him carry
currents of ecstasy that influence the innermost recesses of
the heart.
Guru precedes God. Such a person was Master Hazur
Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, who remained with His dis-
ciples for a great number of years and now, even after He
has left the body, still watches over His loved ones and
also those who contacted Him once with love and sincer-
tiy in their hearts. Love knows no law, and He is still ap-
pearing in His Radiant Form, even on lower spiritual
planes, for their sake. Not one, but hundreds can testify
to what ignorant people would call an illusion. On the
physical plane, He is still showering His blessings through
His medium at Ruhani Satsang, Sawan Ashram, who now in
turn guides men in all spiritual matters. One bulb is fused
and is replaced by another. The same Power works and
the same Light now shines from a new bulb. All who ap-
proach the Master get positive experiences. Anybody who
wishes to avail himself of such a golden opportunity
has only to contact the Master and his wishes will be ful-
filled, his heart will overflow with happiness, and his weary
shoulders will be relieved of their burden of cares and
worries.
RUHANI SATSANG: SCIENCE OF SPIRITUALITY was crigi-
nally published in 1956 as Circular No. 6 (see the Intro-
duction to Part HI for an explanation of the original num-
bering of the circulars), and has since gone through a wide
variety of editions, including some abridged versions. The
Master added the section "Cultural Development Through
'Man-Making' " in 1970.
Ruhani Satsang: Science of Spirituality
Ruhani satsang, as the name implies, is a center for im-
.. parting purely spiritual teachings and training to man-
kind, irrespective of class barriers such as caste, color,
creed, sect, age, education or avocation. As Nature offers
her bounties of light, water and air, etc., freely to one and
all, so is Spirituality offered free to all who are anxious for
Self-knowledge and God-knowledge.
In this age of science, Spirituality too has to be treated
as a regular science to make it acceptable to the people.
It is in fact another name for the Science of the Soul, but,
unlike other sciences, it is very definite and very exact in
its premise, theory and practice, and yields verifiable results
wtih mathematical precision. Its history dates back to the
unknown past, when man first began to reflect within on
the meaning of life. It has ever been the natural urge in
man to solve the riddle of life. In every age, sages and seers
appeared in different parts of the world and gave out the
spiritual experiences which we have with us in the form of
the sacred scriptures. We are indeed very fortunate to pos-
sess their fine records, for they kindle in us a desire and
longing to know, and inspire us with a hope that one day
we too can unravel the mystery of life and the purpose of
human existence.
So far so good, but beyond this there is no way out. By
mere reading of sacred literature, we cannot possibly un-
72 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
derstand the true import of the esoteric experiences that
their authors had within themselves in the silence of their
soul. Book learning and worldly wisdom are of no avail in
exploring the mysteries of the inner worlds. Reasoning is
the help and reasoning is the bar. We may reason things
out on the intellectual level, but we cannot go beyond in-
tellect itself. The scriptures cannot talk to us and answer
our questions, nor resolve our doubts and drive away skep-
ticism from our minds. They cannot grant us the actual
inner experiences recorded in them. What then is the rem-
edy? Are we to float on the sea of life, pass our allotted
days in hectic strife, and do no more? Has life no other
purpose beyond that of a stage actor, who comes on to the
stage, plays his part, and then vanishes to appear no more?
Every problem in life is beset with the difficulties pe-
culiar to it. But it does not mean that these difficulties are
insurmountable, or that they should deter us in our search
for the Eternal Truth. What one man has done toward this
end, another can also do, of course with the proper guid-
ance and help. All that is needed is to make a right ap-
proach to the problem in the true spirit of a seeker after
Truth. God is great and He has His own ways to fulfill the
yearnings of His devotees. There is nothing to despair of.
Every Saint has a past and every sinner a future.
We have of course to start with the premise that there is
a certain central controlling Power behind all these phe-
nomena, no matter what name we may give to, or what our
conception is, of this Unseen Power. We see that the Uni-
verse around us is pulsating with life and is a manifestation
of the Active Life Principle of this Unseen Power, which
appears in so many different forms. However, what this
RUHANl SATSANG 73
Unseen Power is, and how we may contact it, constitutes
the fundamental problem.
A professor of theology, however learned he may be,
cannot with all his power of words and ideas give us this
contact. Life comes from Life. One who is embedded in
the Life Principle may, if he so likes, grant us a contact
with the Life Impulse surging within him. A Master-soul
who has realized the Truth in himself can help us to have
this realization, and no one else. Self-realization and God-
realization are inner experiences of the soul, and cannot
be had on the plane of the senses. Inner awareness comes
only when we rise above outer awareness. We have first
to transcend body consciousness so as to liberate the soul
from all outer attachments. The inner man must first be
freed from the outer man, consisting of body, mind, sense-
organs, the intellect, and the vital airs (physical energies),
for none of these can contact the Pure Consciousness
which is wholly non-material in essence, the life of all life
and the very soul of all that exists. These are some of the
vital problems with which Godmen are concerned.
Ruhani Satsang then deals with the most abstruse prob-
lems connected with the soul and primarily imparts instruc-
tions in the Science of the Soul. All other considerations,
physical, social, moral, are secondary and enter discussion
only insofar as they aid in the upliftment of the soul. As it
is a science of the Beyond, it is called Para-Vidya, or the
knowledge that the soul experiences directly and immedi-
ately, above and beyond the realm of the senses. It seeks to
make the human soul one with the Oversoul by transcend-
ing the physical plane. The actual awakening of the spirit
into its own, its gradual efflorescence into Cosmic Aware-
74 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
ness, is the work of the Master Power overhead, and is
achieved through a regular process of self-analysis or in-
version:
O Nanak! Without an experience of self -analysis,
one cannot escape from the delusion of em-
pirical life.
Similarly, Christ said:
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it and
whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall
find it.
MATTHEW 16:25
The Path of the Masters needs the guidance and the help
of a living Master or Adept, not only to understand the
theory, but in order to practice the Science of the Soul. A
Master of Realized Truth can not only reveal the true im-
port of the scriptures which otherwise are sealed to us, but
can also grant us an inner contact with Truth Itself and
make us theists in the true sense of the word. The scrip-
tures to him are just handy aids to enlighten people of
different faiths and beliefs. It is on this common ground of
Spirituality that men of all faiths can meet together and
thus constitute the great family of man. It is Ruhani Sat-
sang that provides this common ground for people of all
faiths to gather together for spiritual instruction.
It was ever the desire of my Master, Baba Sawan Singh
Ji, to form a common forum where people professing vari-
ous faiths and religious beliefs or belonging to diverse sects
and orders could meet together to discuss the principles of
Spirituality and to practice spiritual discipline under the
guidance of a Master-soul, thereby gaining salvation and
RUHANI SATSANG 75
peace, both here and hereafter. A perfect Master is not
concerned with the social order of things nor does he in-
terfere in it. He brings from God to His children the mes-
sage of spiritual emancipation. His is a message of Hope,
Redemption and Fulfillment to one and all alike. Such
blessed beings are Children of Light and come into the
world to diffuse this Light among suffering humanity, as
they themselves affirm:
Kabir knows the mysteries of the House of God
and brings a message from the Most High.
A Master-soul is known by the catholicity of his
teachings, which have a universal appeal for
all.
Ruhani Satsang is not concerned with the socio-religious
codes of conduct, nor with performance of rites and ritu-
als, nor with formal places of worship. The human body
is the true Temple of God, and since God is Spirit, they
who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in
Truth. Ruhani Satsang is a living embodiment of the teach-
ings and ideals of the Master Saint, Baba Sawan Singh Ji,
and is a center where the exposition of his views on life,
which pertain to the emancipation of the soul, is given.
The activities of Ruhani Satsang are described under
the following headings:
I. TO INGRAIN IN SEEKERS AFTER TRUTH:
(a) The true understanding of life — the everlasting and
unchanging nature of the soul in the continually changing
phenomena of life, which may be compared to the "still
point" on the ever-revolving wheel, at once fixed and yet
in seeming motion.
76 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Except for the point, the still point,
There would be no dance,
And there is only the dance.
t. s. ELIOT
One learns the true meaning of:
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that
which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
john 3:6
The life is more than meat, and the body is more
than raiment.
luke 12:23
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain
the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his
soul?
mark 8:36-37
(b) The higher values of life — the greatness of God
and the need for humility, leading to a pure and honest
life of truth, chastity, abstinence, and a loving selfless ser-
vice of humanity. The practice of moral virtues has always
been enjoined by all spiritual teachers, as only an ethical
life can pave the way for a spiritual life. Christ promised
the kingdom of heaven to the poor in spirit; the kingdom
of earth to the meek; mercy to the merciful; and the vision
of God to the pure in heart. Before Christ, Moses gave the
Ten Commandments to the Israelites. Buddha, the En-
lightened One, taught the noble Eightfold Path of Right-
eousness to those who took to the order of the yellow robe.
Zarathustra, Kabir, Nanak, and the Rishis of old said the
same things in their own words. So it is necessary for the
RUHANI SATSANG 77
aspirants to gradually weed out moral lapses, one by one,
and to cultivate in their place moral virtues for which
the maintenance of a self-introspection diary is necessary.
It is the knowledge of our faults and failings that will make
us strive to correct them. This in turn leads to true Spiritu-
ality.
(c) The expansion of the Self. In this connection, we
have in the Gospels:
Love your enemies, bless (hem that curse you, do
good to them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
MATTHEW 5:44
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself.
Matthew 22:37-39
It is therefore necessary that we must learn to love all liv-
ing creatures, and more so our fellow human beings, as all
are the children of the same Supreme Father. Thereby we
are not only true to ourselves, but true to the community,
to the nation or country to which we belong; and above all,
to humanity at large. This leads to the progressive expan-
sion of the Self until it embraces the entire universe and
one becomes a world citizen with a cosmopolitan outlook
in its truest sense, deserving of God's grace.
Further, what is the nature of love? It should be an un-
selfish love, a love which worketh no ill to anyone, a love
78 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
which fulfills the law of God that enjoins loving service
with a pure heart. Such a love is the means to Self- and
God-realization:
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is
love.
i john 4:8
Hear ye all, I tell you the truth — only those who
love can know God.
GURU GOBIND SINGH
Do thou love God; for without love thou canst
not have peace here or hereafter.
KABIR
So love God and love all His creation — man, beasts, birds,
reptiles — for they are all members of the family of God.
II. THE SCIENCE OF THE SOUL
As theory precedes practice, it is essential that one must
have a crystal clear idea of the theoretical aspect of the
eternal truths of life, which are conveyed through the cor-
rect interpretation of the various scriptures; the right im-
port of which can only be explained by one who has actual-
ly realized Truth for himself and established eternal contact
with the Divine Link within him. The ultimate Truth is of
course one and the same in all religions; but the sages have
described it variously, each according to the measure of
his own spiritual advancement on the God-way. One who
actually traversed the Path completely is called a perfect
Master or Sant Satguru. He, being fully conversant with
the various details of the journey, can explain matters
suitably and reconcile the seeming differences, if any, in
the scriptural texts. He is a guide on the spiritual path
RUHANI SATSANG 79
from plane to plane as the soul, after voluntary withdrawal
from body consciousness, proceeds along with Him. The
different scriptures are but wares in the hands of the Mas-
ter for convincing those who have but little faith in one
or another of the religious beliefs. By apt quotations from
sacred books of different religions, the Master Saints can
emphasize the essential unity of all religions on the com-
mon ground of Spirituality; for each embodied soul, after
transcending body consciousness, escapes from all denom-
inational labels attached to the physical body. It is a practi-
cal question of Self-knowledge, and an actual experience
thereof is given by the Master to each individual at the
time of Initiation. Testimony is always based on first-hand
experience and not on hearsay or book-learning.
Sant Kabir says:
O Pandit, your mind and my mind can never
agree;
For you speak of what you have read in the
scriptures, while I speak what I have seen.
In the Holy Granth, the scriptures of the Sikhs, it is writ-
ten:
Listen ye to the true testimony of the Saints, for
they give out what they truly see with their
own eyes.
Nanak does not utter a single syllable of his own,
except as he is moved from within.
Christ said:
/ do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath
taught me, I speak these things.
john 8:28
80 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
III. THE PRACTICE OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
Insofar as the theory of the Science of the Soul is con-
cerned, it is essentially an experimental science and has
therefore to be judged on the level of actual experience.
It is said that an ounce of practice is better than tons of
theory. The scriptures even tell us not to put faith in the
words of a Master Saint unless he is able to give some
inner experience of what he talks about. But with all that,
one must have at least an experimental faith, so as to do
what one is asked to, just for the sake of the experiment
itself. The spiritual science, as explained above, is the
most perfect and exact in every detail, just as two and two
make four. Everyone who has grasped the theory and is
receptive can be a direct witness of the inner experience,
however little it may be, that the Master gives at the very
first sitting.
The Absolute Truth is of course imageless; but the
Power of Truth, or God in action, is a vibratory force per-
vading everywhere. Its primal manifestations come in the
form of Light and Sound; and it is for the Master Saint to
give an experience thereof by helping each soul to rise
above the sensory plane, if only for a short while. If this
contact is established on the supersensual plane, one can,
under the guidance and with the help of the Master, de-
velop it to any extent he may like. The contacts of Light
and Sound are the "saving lifelines" within each individual,
and the Master who manifests this Light and Sound is
called a Savior, a Messiah, a Prophet, or anything one
wishes to call him. The eternal soul principle is described
variously as Sruti (that which is heard) in the Vedas;
Udgit (the Song of the Beyond) in the Upanishads; Akash
RUHANI SATSANG 81
Bani (the Music from the Sky) or Nad (Voice) in the
later Hindu scriptures; Kalnui (Divine Utterance) or Kal-
am-i-Kadim (most ancient call) in the Koran; Sraosha by
Zoroaster; Logos or Word in the Bible; and Naam or
Shabd in the Holy Granth, the Sikh scripture.
The ancient Greeks, including Pythagoras, called it "The
Music of the Spheres"; the Theosophical writings refer to
it as "The Voice of the Silence." And without actual con-
tact with this Divine Power within, the Voice of God and
the Light of God, good morals and esoteric teachings by
themselves are not sufficient. This is why the Bible empha-
sizes :
Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only . . .
james 1 :22
iv. death in life and a new birth
The contact with the Divine Link, as described above,
comes only when the soul rises from the plane of the senses
above body consciousness, and comes into its own on the
supersensual plane, for true knowledge is the action of the
soul without the aid of the senses :
Here one sees without eyes and hears without
ears, walks without feet and acts without
hands, and speaks without tongue;
O Nanak! It is by death-in-life that one under-
stands the Divine Will and stands face to face
with Reality.
For this experience, the soul has temporarily to discon-
nect itself from the body and its different sense organs,
the mind and the vital airs, all of which are too gross to
contact Truth. In other words, an embodied soul has to
82 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
disembody itself and become depersonalized before it can
come into contact with the Master Power, which is subtle
and rarified. Therefore Guru Nanak says:
Unless one rises to the level of God, one cannot
know God.
The Divine Power can neither be comprehended nor ap-
prehended by the lower order of things. With all our right-
eousness, we are as filthy rags; and when in the flesh, none
are righteous. The soul, as it rises above body conscious-
ness, shines forth in its pristine purity, rises into Cosmic
Awareness, and feels, as it were, the efflorescence of the
microcosm into the macrocosm. It is this which is called
Duaya Janma or the ''Second Birth," i.e., birth of the
Spirit as distinguished from the birth of the flesh. The
Bible tells us:
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the
Kingdom of God.
john 3:3
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
john 3:5
Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of
God.
I CORINTHIANS 15:50
Thereafter a person walks not after the flesh but after the
Spirit. As the process of soul withdrawal is akin to actual
death, one gains victory over death, which is the last enemy
of mankind. The daily dying at will takes away the sting of
death. We may find references to "death in life" in the
RUHANI SATSANG 83
scriptures of all religions. Kabir, an Indian Saint of great
repute, says:
Death, of which the people are so terribly afraid,
is a source of peace and joy unto me.
Dadu, another Saint, affirms:
O Dadu! Learn to die while alive, for in the end,
all must die.
In the Koran also, great stress is laid on Mootu qibal at
Mootu, or death before the final dissolution of the body.
The Sufis lay much store on Fana (death to the life of the
senses) for gaining Baqa (life everlasting). Maulana Rumi
says:
So long as a person does not transcend the sen-
sual plane, he remains an utter stranger to the
Life Divine.
Similarly in the Gospels, words like "I die daily" and "I am
crucified in Christ" occur. Christ's own exhortation to his
followers, "If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke
9:23), points to the same thing: viz., a true resurrection
from one life to another.
V. THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The culminating point of the spiritual journey is the
Kingdom of God, to which the spirit is gradually led by the
Radiant Form of the Master. It is not something external,
for all beauty and glory lie within the human soul. Of this
Kingdom it is said:
The Kingdom of God cometh not with observa-
tion:
84 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for
behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.
luke 17:20-21
In the Holy Koran, the Kingdom of God is referred to as
Maqam-i-Mahmud or the praiseworthy station (17:81).
It is the Buddha Land of the Buddhists, a sublime state
of conscious rest in omniscience, called Nirvana.
Through the grace of the Master, the spirit then regains
the Lost Paradise, the Garden of Eden, from which it was
forced out:
In flesh at first was the guilt committed;
Therefore in flesh it must be satisfied.
Having paid the wages of sin through suffering, the pro-
cess of Karmic reactions is finally liquidated by the power
of Naam or Word. Protected and enfolded by the Power
of God as manifested through the grace of the Master, the
spirit forges ahead unhampered, and finally comes face to
face with the Reality. This state of blissful beatitude is
spoken of variously as the "New Jerusalem" (where the
Christ Power appears once again); Muqam-i-Haq (the
Abode of Truth); or Sach Khand (the Immortal Plane),
a place where there is no sorrow, no taxation and no vex-
ation.
VI. THE QUEST FOR A TRUE MASTER
A living, perfect Master is the be-all and end-all of the
spiritual path. He is the greatest gift of God and the great-
est blessing to mankind. The importance and necessity of
a competent Master cannot therefore be over-emphasized.
All the scriptures sing praises of the Sant Sat guru or Mas-
ter of Truth, who holds a commission from the Lord to
RUHANI SATSANG 85
help the souls who yearn for Him and wish to return to
the House of their Father:
Without a perfect Master, none can reach God,
no matter if one may have merits a million-
fold.
It is the fundamental law of God that none can
even comprehend Him without the aid of a
Master-soul.
THE HOLY GRANTH
A true Master is Master indeed — a Master in every phase
of life. As Guru or teacher on the physical plane, he im-
parts spiritual teachings as any other teacher would do,
and shares our joys and sorrows, helping us at every step
in our daily trials and tribulations. As Gurudev or the Ra-
diant Form of the Master, He guides the soul on the astral
and causal planes. As Sat guru or the veritable Master of
Truth, He leads us into the Great Beyond. Such souls are
the salt of the earth and are very rare indeed, but the world
is never without one or more of such beings, as God may
ordain. The principle of demand and supply is ever at
work, in spiritual as in secular affairs. One has however to
guard against false prophets or "ravening wolves in sheep's
clothing." How to find such a Master is a difficult problem,
but patience, perseverance and judicious discrimination al-
ways succeed in the long run. When God's Light shines,
It shines forth in fullness and cannot remain under a bush-
el for any great length of time. "Guru appears when the
disciple is ready" is an axiomatic truth. This readiness,
Kabir tells us, consists of intense longing, humility, com-
passion and sincerity. When these virtues adorn an aspir-
86 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
ant after Truth, God within him, who is his Controlling
Power, directs the Master to find him out wherever he may
be.
The scriptures tell us some of the signs whereby one
may outwardly discern a true Master:
Never bow ye before him who, while claiming to
be a Pir (Guru), lives on the alms of others.
A true Master never displays himself among the
people, nor takes delight in popular applause.
He never collects alms nor accepts donations
for his own use, however voluntarily made.
He who manifests the Infinite in the finite is Sat-
guru indeed and is a veritable sage.
Take him to be a true Master, who engrafts thee
in Truth and who makes thee peer into the
unfathomable and links thee with the Sound
within.
THE HOLY GRANTH
All Masters are worthy of devotion, each in his
own place and in his own way;
But him alone would I worship, who is em-
bedded in the Sound Current.
KABIR
A true Master brings the message of Shabd and
talks of nothing else but Shabd.
Hail as a Master Divine he who can draw down
the Celestial Music from above.
PALTU
RUHANI SATSANG 87
VII. SURAT SHABD YOGA
No doubt, there are ways and ways of union with the
Beloved. But in this age, the most natural form of yoga is
the Surat Shabd Yoga or the Yoga of the Sound Current.
It can be practiced with equal ease by the young and old
alike, and hence it is popularly known as Sehaj Yoga or
the Easy Path. An initiate in this form of yoga does not,
comparatively speaking, have to exert himself much. He
is of course to do meditation for two or three hours a day,
as enjoined by the Master; which consists of sitting in sweet
remembrance of the Lord and in doing mental Simran or
repetition of the charged words with the tongue of thought,
with the gaze or Surat fixed at the seat of the soul located
behind and between the two eyebrows. One is not to pre-
suppose, visualize, or clutch to have one thing or another.
The opening of the Third Eye is the task of the Master.
The moment the Master takes charge of the soul, He
guides it both directly and indirectly, visibly and invisibly,
on this earth and beyond, in this life and the after-life,
and never leaves until the final goal has been attained by
the soul. Having had such an experience, one realizes the
truth of aphorisms like:
Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of
the world.
MATTHEW 28:20
For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor for-
sake thee.
HEBREWS 13:5
And him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise
cast out.
88 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
To meet a Master Saint and get Initiation from him is the
acme of good fortune and the greatest blessing. He holds
the keys to the Kingdom of God and leads the world-
weary and heavy laden back to his Father's mansion. He
rediscovers God for man in the secret chambers of the soul.
As the Master is the greatest gift of God, so is God the
greatest gift of the Master, for it is only by the grace of
the Master that one can have union with God. In fact,
there is no difference between the two, for:
/ and my Father are one.
JOHN 11:30
No man knoweth the son but the Father; neither
knoweth any man the Father save the Son, and
he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
MATTHEW 11:27
In the Holy Granth of the Sikhs also it is said:
The Father and the Son are dyed in the same
color.
The Father and the Son form a co-partnership.
Hence the need for a really awakened soul, for without
him we continue to grope in darkness and cannot see the
Light or have salvation.
Hundreds of moons may shine forth; and thou-
sands of suns may be set aglow; but despite a
blinding luster like this, pitch darkness pre-
vails within. Without the Master, one finds not
the Way and goes wandering in the dark.
THE HOLY GRANTH
Such a Master-soul may work through a representative in
far-off lands and make him a vehicle for the purpose.
RUHANI SATSANG 89
There is a vast difference, however, between the Master
and his representative. The former is perfect in his science,
whereas the latter is on the Way, not perfect as yet. So we
have always to look to the Master Power working at the
chosen pole of the physical Master outside for perfect
guidance and help until we can commune with the Master
Power within.
VIII. THE ESSENCE OF RUHANI SATSANG
Ruhani Satsang is neither an intellectual nor scholastic
system of philosophy, nor is it merely an ethical code of
rigid moral virtues, though to a certain extent it partakes of
the character of both, insofar as these pave the way for
spiritual progress. Spirituality is quite distinct from reli-
gion, as it is commonly and popularly known today: a so-
cial and moral code of conduct and nothing more. Ruhani
Satsang deals with the Science of the Soul or contact with
the Inner Self in man. It teaches how the Inner Self can be
extricated from the clutches of the outer self, consisting of
mind and matter and the outgoing faculties, so as to enable
it to be witness to the glory of God, to see His Light and
to hear His Voice in the inner silence of the stilled mind.
It is an experimental science of practical self-analysis,
whereby one gains Self-knowledge and God-knowledge.
But this depends solely on the grace of God; for no man,
however great his learning, wisdom and knowledge, has
ever achieved, nor can achieve, success in this field by his
own unaided and unguided efforts. Both God and the God-
Way are made manifest by the Light of the Godman, who
guides the seeker and helps him to rediscover God within
his own self. This is the grand lesson in Spirituality, of
90 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
which Ruhani Satsang is a living embodiment, seeking to
help all aspirants after true knowledge — the Knowledge of
Realized Truth — which makes all else to become known
and leaves nothing unknown. It is the finale of human exis-
tence, an efflorescence into the Divine.
Cultural Development Through "Man-Making"
In the preceding pages, the meaning, purpose, aims and
activities of Ruhani Satsang are described and discussed.
The emphasis, not unnaturally, was placed on the problems
that beset a seeker after Truth and how these problems
could be resolved with the help of a living Master who is
fully conversant with both the outer and inner difficulties
of the practical subject of Spirituality. This is not to say,
however, that the Master has no interest in the woes of
people who do not wish to take up the Path in earnest.
The Master has love for all, and does not limit his benefits
to disciples only; although of course they enjoy a somewhat
special relationship with him, especially after the change
we call death.
Today it is becoming more and more difficult for an
honest man to live in the world. Virtue is on the decrease
and is to many the object of derision. Vice is on the in-
crease, and its practice is even lauded as a virtue. The
moral fabric of society, which is its warp and woof, is be-
coming threadbare, and if this process is allowed to con-
tinue, the fabric will tear apart. Even art, which in former
years was a means used to educate people to a nobler way
of life, has not escaped this destructive process. In the
theater, cinema and television media, the filth and dirt of
perverted intellect is spawned forth without let or hin-
RUHANI SATSANG 91
drance. Even the most respected of all educational institu-
tions, the University, is becoming forgetful of its true func-
tion, which is to produce the highest type of citizen dedi-
cated to the service of his fellow man.
It is to counter act this pernicious process that Ruhani
Satsang has established both in India and abroad, training
centers or study circles where man can learn the true val-
ues of life as taught from a spiritual standpoint. In these
centers, the students are trained and guided by personal
classes, through correspondence, and through submission
of progress reports. The progress reports detail the success
and failures that are experienced in the practical appli-
cation of the principles of true living, which are taught to
the students in such classes.
These classes are conducted by selected initiates of the
Master, who have themselves made some progress in the
art of "man-making," which is the means of attaining con-
trol over the mind, senses and sense-objects, which at pres-
ent bind the soul in bonds of steel. Without the knowledge
of the science of "man-making," mastery over the self or
animal man cannot be achieved, the higher or spiritual
part of man's nature cannot come into play. The most ur-
gent need of society today is the active presence of such
people, the more there are the better. As mentioned above,
selected initiates of the Master are responsible for the dis-
semination of the knowledge of "man-making" insofar as
they themselves have developed it, under the loving guid-
ance of the Master. It is also the responsibility of some of
these initiates to visit the various Satsangs to give talks
on the Teachings.
The main mission of Ruhani Satsang is to bring all chil-
92 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
dren of God together on one platform so that they may
have the right understanding that they are all brothers and
sisters in God. Only on such a platform can true integra-
tion be inculcated in the hearts and minds of the people
at the level of man, soul, and then God, whom we worship
by different names. It is the intention of this aspect of
Ruhani Satsang to help to produce a true Work of Art,
that is, a whole man; one freed from the lower passions
and instincts which degrade his true nature. Man as in-
tended by God is a noble being with noble qualities and
aspirations, directed to the attainment of Self- and God-
realization in his lifetime. He is not on this earth merely
to eat, sleep, breed, and then die. These are the limits im-
posed on the lower orders of Creation; but man has the
spark of God in him, and he is intended for higher things.
The seekers are trained and disciplined in order that they
may elevate themselves physically, morally, and intellectu-
ally, which will result in true spiritual progress. This will
enable them to face successfully the trials and tribulations
that they encounter in their day-to-day living. To help
them in this phase of their development, they are enjoined:
( 1 ) To maintain a self-introspection diary, recording
their failures in Non- Violence, Truthfulness, Chastity, Lov-
ing Humility, and Selfless Service. The gradual weeding out
of such failures creates the right environment for the con-
tinued growth of the seed of Spirituality, which is im-
planted in the seeker by the Master at the time of his
Initiation.
(2) To be regular in attending Satsang, where the Mas-
ter gives the right understanding of the Teachings, as well
RUHANI SATSANG 93
as benefiting those attending by his radiation. In the West,
such Satsangs are conducted by Representatives and Group
Leaders authorized by the Master for this purpose.
( 3 ) To be regularly devoted to their spiritual practices,
both in morning and evening. This is done mainly at home,
although group meditations are given in Sawan Ashram
under the personal direction of the Master.
(4) The singing of and listening to devotional hymns
from the writings of the Saints of different religions con-
cerning ethical and spiritual subjects is part of the cultural
teaching at Sawan Ashram.
(5) To study the sacred literature and books written by
the Master. A monthly magazine, Sat Sandesh, is pub-
lished in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, which helps
to channel their thoughts in the right direction by keeping
constant, sweet remembrance of the Master.
The end result of the training thus imparted fits an initi-
ate for the inner journey as well as making him a decent,
law-abiding citizen, and so an asset to society. Such a one
becomes an ideal man, with his physical body in full bloom
and his soul full of the glory and intoxication of the Ring-
ing Radiance of God. He sees himself as part of Creation
and wishes, as did Guru Nanak. "Peace be unto all the
world over, under Thy Will, O God."
Simran: The Sweet Remembrance of God
Dear brothers and sisters: Mr. Khanna has asked
me to give some message on my birth anniversary.
The day of my physical birth fell on the 6th of February,
1894. The true date of my birth is the day when I sat
physically at the holy feet of my Master Sawan Singh in
February 1924. Still the truer date is when 1 was reborn
anew into the beyond and met my Master in all His glory
in 1917, i.e., seven years before my meeting with Him
physically. I respect all holy scriptures of all the Saints who
came in the past as they all were given by inspiration of
God. I had the good fortune to sit at the feet of my Mas-
ter. That which 1 have received of my Master is what I
deliver unto you. I find it parallel with what all the past
Saints have said. The difference is in the language or the
way of expression, but the subject matter is the same. They
all talk as to how to liberate our souls from mind and mat-
ter and know ourselves and know God. At the time of
Initiation the Satguru resides with the devotee. He is with
you always even unto the end of the world and will be ex-
tending all feasible help. He will never leave thee, nor for-
sake thee. Whosoever's mind is stayed on Him with full
faith, He will keep him in perfect peace. There is hope for
everybody. Master Power comes into the world to save
sinners and to put them on the way back to God. It is for
you to remain devoted to Him, and keep His command-
96 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
ments. The rest is for Him to do. God is love. You are
also love. Love is the potent factor in meeting God. ''He
that loveth not, knoweth not God." Therefore, "thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy
soul and with all thy mind." I wish you to be the doers of
the Word and not hearers only, for an ounce of practice
is worth more than tons of theories. Reformers are badly
needed, not of others, but of themselves. You shall have
Godhead as salary. I wish you all Godspeed in your ef-
forts to tread the way back to God, which lies within you.
My love and best wishes are always with you and will re-
main with you. The mystery of life is solved in the com-
pany of those who have solved that for themselves. How
to find such a man? One who has solved this mystery can
help in finding the same Truth.
Someone questioned Guru Nanak as to how one could
find a true and real Guru, and by what signs He could be
recognized. Guru Nanak replied: "The human body is a
temple of God, and it is by turning within that we meet
God. There is a way from this house of the body to an-
other house within (the Nij Ghar or Sach Khand) which
is the Real House; and here the soul finds everlasting
peace. The human body is just like a rented house, given
to us temporarily (i.e., allotted span of life) until, in the
meanwhile, the soul is wise enough to gain access to her
permanent abode of everlasting bliss. Now, the Real and
True Master is one who can show us the way out to the
Kingdom of God within this body and can lead the soul
from stage to stage until the kingdom is gained and the
soul comes into her own."
The human body, like any other physical thing, is sub-
SIMRAN 97
ject to decay and disintegration. Even this world suffers
dissolution. But Sach Khand or the Kingdom of God alone
is indestructible and eternal. The process of Dissolution
works up to the realm of Triloki or three worlds (physical,
astral and causal planes) and that of Grand Dissolution
up to the subtlest of the causal planes, but it cannot reach
Sach Khand, or Sat Lok or Mukam-i-Haq as the Moham-
medans call it (New Jerusalem of the Christians), for it
is the veritable Kingdom of God, as spoken of by Christ.
The Saints have therefore set Sach Khand as their goal,
which is beyond the ken of Dissolution and Grand Dis-
solution.
Next, the Satguru or the True Master points out the way
to the Kingdom of God. He tells us that the Divine Music
comprised of five strains or melodies is always going on in
the body. This continuous symphony is the connecting link
between the Creation and the Creator. It is the ladder
which the soul has to climb step by step in its onward
journey to the Kingdom of God. This Music is most melo-
dious, the like of which cannot be found on Earth. It has
immense attraction and an irresistible appeal. The different
melodies begin from Sahansdal Kanwal (the region of the
thousand-petaled lotus) and reach as far as Sach Khand.
The Master-soul gives a contact to the human soul at the
lowest end of the Musical notes, besides some experience
of the withdrawal of the sensory current from the body,
both of which have to be developed by daily practice.
The Satguru comes into the world with the treasure of
Naam. The Muslims call it the Nada-i-Asmani (heavenly
music) and the Christians describe it as "Word." The
treasure of Naam is not the heritage of this or that parti-
98 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
cular nation or community, nor of any particular country,
nor of any religion, caste or creed. Again, this treasure is
freely distributed by a Master-soul to all, irrespective of
any of the above considerations. An aspirant may be a
Brahmin or Kshatriya, a Hindu or a Muslim, or anything
else, for that is not of any consequence. Each one of us
can learn the art of life and the science of spirituality so
as to find a way out to the Kingdom of God which is the
common heritage of all and the summum bonum of life.
Again, a Master-soul may come into the world in any
garb he may choose. It is of no consequence to the as-
pirants for spirituality. Any such considerations will surely
be a hindrance and a positive disadvantage. Our only con-
nection with the Master-soul is purely of a spiritual nature
and not a temporal one. Saint Kabir, though a Muslim
weaver, had among his followers Rajput chieftains like
Bir Singh and Bhaghail Singh. Similarly Saint Ravidas,
cobbler by profession, had Mirabai, a Rajput princess, and
Raja Pipa in his sacred fold. All that we have to ascertain
is that the Master is Shabda Sanehi — he who loves the
Word and is Word personified — and can give us first-hand
experience of the Shabd or the Sound Principle to start
with. If he satisfies these conditions, we should have no
scruples on any ground whatsoever in accepting him and
learning from him the science of spirituality.
The macrocosm is in the microcosm. The human body
is the prototype of the universe and much more than that.
In it there are millions of solar systems with their suns,
moons and earths revolving in and out. The sweetest of the
sweet music is also going on in it, emanating from the
true throne of the True King — God.
SIMRAN 99
A Muslim divine also says in this respect: "When I
heard the bewitching strains of that celestial song, Kaaba
(the holiest of the holy places of Muslim worship) and
the temple (of the idol worshipers) both appeared to be
bad caricatures before the divine intoxication it gave."
Maulana Rumi says: "The Saints are the true devotees
of God, always listening to the Divine Music within. That
infuses life into the lovers of God." Shamas Tabriz, an-
other Muslim Saint, also speaks of it: "Every moment a
strange type of call is coming from the Heaven. I hear that
voice and nothing else. Blessed indeed are they who hear
this call."
This song is unique in character. No language can de-
scribe it — neither Turkish, nor Arabic, nor Persian, nor
any other. It is in fact an unspoken language and an un-
written law unto itself.
The Prophet Mohammed once declared that he listened
to the Voice of God just as he listened to any other voice.
But when questioned as to why it could not be heard by
others, he said, "You cannot hear this Voice as your ears
have been sealed up. Hie to some Master-soul with a pray-
er for breaking of the seal and then listen attentively in
the silence of your heart."
Mrs. Annie Besant, the great Theosophist, calls it the
Voice of the Silence and says that the Silence becomes
vocal when the mind is at perfect rest.
"The Kingdom of God is within you," says Christ. The
trouble is that we search for it without and find it not. Man
in his search for God has not spared any efforts. He has
looked for Him in the sacred rivers (like Ganges, etc.), in
the snow-capped mountains of Badrinath, Kailash, Amar-
100 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
nath, etc., in the deep recesses of the forests and in the
sacred places of all antiquity, but with no success. As the
"way out" to God lies within, you will have to find a Mas-
ter who knows the Way and would be a guide unto you un-
til the goal is reached. This work only a True Master can
do and no one else can do it.
Now the question comes: Where can this Divine Music
be contacted? To this the Master replies, "This Divine
Music is going on in Sukhmana (a central cord between
Ida and Pingala, the two cords on either side, which run-
ning through the spine and passing through the center of
and between the two eyebrows, reaches directly as far as
Sach Khand or Shah Rag as named by the Muslims). It
can be experienced by the soul in her deepest depths, when
layer by layer the various sheaths or coverings (physical
or gross, mental or subtle, and causal) are shaken off from
the soul in her onward journey to the various Lokas or
regions: the sun, the moon, the stars, spirits (Pithrian),
Deities (Devian), etc. At each stage, the Music becomes
more enrapturing than before, until in Par Brahm (beyond
the three Lokas) the soul becomes self-luminous in her
pristine glory; then the Music too becomes exceedingly
charming, in full swell with unending continuity. This is the
Ajapa Jap going on at all times in an unspoken language.
As the soul hears it she gets magnetized, with the result
that the mind with its outgoing faculties is paralyzed for
want of the inspiration it is used to drawing from the Spir-
it, and gradually it loses its hold of her. The high-born
maiden (being a drop of the ocean of Sat Naam) is freed
from its clutches and now moves on unhampered."
It is of course impossible to describe the sublime sym-
SIMRAN 101
phonies in so many words as they are past description for
want of adequate expression.
At present every soul has, on account of constant as-
sociation with mind, acquired a tendency to flow down-
ward and outward through the outgoing faculties. It is be-
cause of this that she cannot catch the Sound Current (the
Elixir of Life) within. A cup turned upside down may for
ages remain in the rain but not a drop will fall into it. But
if it is turned aright, it will get filled up in one or two
showers. Exactly is it the case with the soul. As soon as
the Master-soul gives her a contact with the life-giving
Sound Current by turning it aright through the withdrawal
of the sensory current, the lotus-like cup of the spirit gets
more and more water of immortality until she gets
drenched through and through and is saved forever.
Mind, you know, is ever after pleasures of one kind or
another. But the pleasures of this world are all transitory
and have always some sting at the bottom. "Our sincerest
laughter with some pain is fraught," says an English poet.
This renegade of the mind can only be subdued if some
internal pleasure of rapturous strains of the Divine Music
— the Word — is given to it in lieu of the external one.
When mind tastes the sweet Elixir, it is diverted from the
worldly enjoyments and is subdued. The soul becomes
free. This is the only remedy by which the sages con-
trolled the mind. It held good in all ages, the Golden, the
Silver and the Copper, and holds good even today in Kali
Yuga or the Iron Age. The Sat is eternal. It was in the be-
ginning. It was in the middle, and it shall ever remain until
Eternity. The Divine Music of Sat is then the sovereign
remedy for stilling the mind. In due course of time by reg-
102 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
ular practice the soul becomes fully absorbed into the Elix-
ir of Naam and the mind is rendered absolutely ineffectual.
As said above, the Sound Current begins from Turya
Pad when, the sensory current having withdrawn from the
body, the soul enters into the Beyond. The five strains in
seriatim follow one another from one spiritual plane to an-
other until Sach Khand is reached. One has to take hold
of each of these strains or melodies for traversing from
stage to stage until the final stage is attained. It is only here
that salvation of the soul is assured and the cycle of births
and deaths ends. This is the grand purpose of life, which
one fulfills through the grace of the Master-soul.
The Master Saint Shamas Tabriz says: "The Great God
has turned us out and closed strongly the door behind the
eyes. He Himself comes to us in the garb of a man to take
us back into His fold."
The method by which He lets us in once again is ex-
plained further:
First one has to withdraw into the silence of the soul,
before he begins to hear the five strains of Music. The sen-
sory current is to be withdrawn at the seat of the soul be-
hind the eyebrows. The journey onward begins from this
stage, the seventh in the order from below. When the soul
rises above the six chakras or ganglions in the Find or
physical body and starts toward Sahansdal Kanwal (the
thousand-petaled lotus), the seventh stage, she catches the
first of the five strains of the Divine Music and proceeds
further. There is no Naam in the lower six chakras. These
in fact are the grave, from which we have to rise above
and come to the point from where the Grand Trunk Road
of Spirituality begins.
SIMRAN 103
Another Saint says, "At the seventh stage you begin to
hear the five strains of the Divine Music, when you re-
move the tent of the soul from the graveyard of the body,
comprising the six lower chakras. From here heavenly
Music takes charge of the soul and pulls it up from stage
to stage until the final consummation with Sat Purush or
Sat Naam takes place."
Almost all the Saints have given the same qualifications
of a True Master. Guru Arjan says, " Accept that man as
a Guru who can give you an experience of the Truth, the
Naam. That is indescribable, no doubt, but we must have
some contact thereof." In short, whoever can tune us into
the Shabd — the Divine Music. Kabir also speaks in the
same terms: "We have so many sadhus, the great ones. I
have respect for all of them. But the one who is One with
the Word, and can give us a contact with that, he overtops
all, and I have the greatest regard for him." Swami Shiv-
dayal Singh Ji also speaks in the same way: "Guru is he
who has love of Shabd and practices no other methods ex-
cept that. Whoever practices Shabd is the perfect Guru.
You sit at his feet, who will give you a contact with it." He
who is Word personified, who was Word made flesh and
dwelt amongst us, and can give us a contact with that, is
held in high esteem by all Saints. The Holy Scriptures all
speak in volumes of their greatness.
It is through the grace of God alone that a jiva (em-
bodied soul) comes across such a Master-soul or guide
who is well versed in the science of Surat Shabd Yoga.
The Master in extreme compassion takes him into his fold
and links him up with the Sound Current and thereby puts
him on the path of final liberation. Guru Nanak says that
104 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
he is an admirer of the man who reaches his true home in
this way.
The course of Surat Shabd Yoga, as described by Guru
Nanak, is the most natural one. It can be practiced by
man or woman, young or old, alike. Even a child can
practice it with ease. It is designed by God Himself and
not by any human agency, and therefore it admits of no
addition, alteration, or modification.
It is God's Law that nobody can reach Him except
through a Master-soul. This is what is given out by almost
all the Saints who came so far.
The Master teaches us how to withdraw from the body
and contact the Sound Current — the Word within. There
are so many ways to withdraw from the body but the one
devised by the Saints is the most natural and quickest and
that is achieved through Sim ran or repetition of the names
of God. So I would like to just give in detail something
about this subject which is very important and is the first
step toward going up. As far as the Word or Naam is con-
cerned I have already given a talk separately. I will now
speak on Simran.
Everyone in the world is doing Simran of one kind or
another. In fact none can do without it. A housewife, for
instance, is thinking all the while of the kitchen require-
ments like flour, pulses, spices and pepper, lest any of these
things run short. She is thinking of recipes for new dishes
and delicacies. Similarly a farmer is always thinking of
ploughing the land, furrowing the fields, sowing the seeds
and harvesting and the like, besides his cattle and fodder.
A shopkeeper is preoccupied with his stock-in-trade and
keenly alive to rise and fall in the prices of commodities
SIMRAN 105
he deals in, and how he can make huge profits in his bus-
iness. A school-master likewise dreams of his school,
classes, pupils and lessons, on all of which his attention is
closely riveted. Again a contractor is engrossed in prob-
lems of labor, material and various building processes.
Thus every one of us is constantly dwelling on one
thing or another. This close association leaves an imprint
in the human mind which in course of time becomes indel-
ible enough and leads to complete identification of the sub-
ject with the object — and hence it is said, "As you think
so you become," or "Where the mind is there you are
also," no matter where the physical self is. This being the
case, Saints take hold of a person from the line of least re-
sistance.
As no one can do without Simran, the Saints try to set
one type of Simran for another type. They substitute for
Simran of the world and worldly relations and objects, a
Simran of God's Name, or "Word." As the former leads
to distraction of the mind, the latter pulls heavenward,
leading to peace of mind and liberation of the soul. Three
to four hours in a day has been enjoined as the minimum
for Simran, and it may be gradually increased. The Ma-
hatmas are never without Simran even for a single mo-
ment. As it is altogether a mental process (for it is to be
done by the tongue of thought), no amount of physical
and manual labor can interfere with it. In course of time,
like the tick of a clock, it becomes automatic and ceaseless
for all the twenty-four hours. While the hands are en-
gaged in work, the mind rests in the Lord.
I now give you some details of recipes prescribed for
doing Simran or repetition of the name of God.
106 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
All persons are engaged in the doing of Simran in one
form or another. Some do Simran by means of a beaded
string called a rosary. In this type of Simran one cannot
maintain undivided attention, for while doing it one has to
roll off the beads with his fingers and reverse the head-knot
on completion of each round of the rosary. In this way one
cannot have single-minded devotion, without which there
can be no gain. By constant practice the fingers automati-
cally roll over the beads while the unbridled mind keeps
wandering astray. This is why Master-souls always lay em-
phasis on mental Simran or one that is done with the
tongue of thought. For Simran done with concentrated at-
tention alone is beneficial.
Again there are persons who do Simran with their
tongue. This type of Simran too is no better than that done
with the help of the rosary. In this type also the tongue
wags on in the mouth, while the mind runs riot all the time.
Some do Simran at the seat of the thyroid gland. This as
well does not count for much unless it is done with the
attention fully riveted to it.
Still others do Simran at the seat of the heart in uni-
son with the constant heart beat, but here again the sine
qua non is whole-hearted attention before one can expect
any benefit from it. Another type of Simran is one that is
done with the breath vibration of the vital air as it goes in
and comes out; it gives just temporary stillness and is of
little value.
Each of the above sadhans (practices) has more efficacy
in ascending order than the one preceding, but none of
them per se is efficacious enough unless it is done with un-
divided attention. A person may experience a little calm
SIMRAN 107
for a while but it cannot help the spirit in withdrawal and
concentration at the seat of the soul just behind the cen-
ter of the two eyebrows.
The Master-souls in all times and in all climes have
therefore gone to the very root of the thing — the discovery
of the Self called Atma-Siddhi, the experience of the
Changeless One, beyond time, space and causation — some-
thing subtler, higher, nobler, purer and more powerful in
the entire creation, and have enjoined Simran of the High-
est Order: one done mentally on the Divine Ground, be-
fore the Threshold of God's own door, about which Christ
says, "Knock and it shall be opened unto thee." Again the
gospel says with regard to single-minded attention, "If thine
eye be single, thy whole body shall be filled with light."
This eye is called in Sanskrit as Shiv-Netra or Dev-drishti.
The Muslims describe it as Nukta-i-Sweda. William Words-
worth, a great romantic poet, refers to it as an "Inward
Eye."
Muslim Saints classify Simran or Zikr into five cate-
gories :
1. Zikr-i-Lassani or Zikr done with the tongue. It is
also called Kalma-e-Shariet or Nasut.
2. Zikr-i-Qulbi, done with Qalb or at the seat of the
heart by the process of Habas-i-dam (Pranayam or
control of the breath). It is technically called Kalma-
i-Tariqat or Malqut.
3. Zikr-i-Ruhi , done with full attention and known as
Kalma-i-Marejat or Jabrut.
4. Zikr-i-Siri, that leads to the inner secret of reality. It
is named Kalma-i-Haqiqat or Lahut.
108 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
5. Lastly Zikr-i-Khaffi, or one that unlocks the secret
door. It is called Hahut.
Maulana Rumi, a Muslim Saint, while speaking of Zikr
or Simran, therefore considers such Zikr alone of the high-
est type as helps in manifesting the Reality within, viz.,
Zikr-i-Ruhi as opposed to Zikr-i-Lassani.
Similarly Rishi Sandilya in his Upanishad tells us that
Bekhri Simran (done with the tongue) is quite good, but
Upasu (done with the breath slowly) is better still, while
Manski (done mentally with the tongue of thought) is the
best and tops all the rest.
The Seat of Simran:
Now we have to see were the repetition of Naam is to
be done.
The Divine Ground on which Simran should be done is
the center between the two eyebrows called variously as
Third Eye. Tisra Til, Shiv-Netra or Nukta-i-Sweda. It is
the gateway leading to the subtle planes. In the state of
wakefulness it is the seat of the spirit or psyche and it is
located above the six physical ganglions. We have to tran-
scend both the astral and causal planes above the physical
plane. The Yogis step by step cross over the six physical
centers until they finally and completely traverse and go
over the physical plane. Instead of descending down into
the lower ganglions and then going up by piercing them
through in the upward journey, it would be easier and bet-
ter by far if one were to commence the journey right ahead
from the seat of the soul in the wakeful state which is at
the back of the two eyes. The easiest way to withdraw the
spirit from the body to its own seat is by means of some
SIMRAN 109
mental Simran, as may be enjoined by the Master-soul.
The Basic Names of God:
Let us now see what Simran is and what the relation is
between the Name and named.
For Simran there are two kinds of Names, original and
derivative. Generally people engage in Simran of one or
another of the derivative or attributive Names of God, as
may have an appeal to the individual concerned. This may
be good and useful to a certain extent but it cannot work
as an "Open Sesame" to the higher and spiritual planes
within.
Master-souls always do and recommend Simran of the
highest type, to wit, of the Original or Basic Names of God
for these open up charmed casements and bring to view
vistas leading to spiritual realms within the body. Such
Names are charged with and electrified by the thought
transference that usually accompanies them when com-
municated to an aspirant by a Master-soul. As these are
magnetized, they have the power to attract and pull the
spirit up to the planes to which they relate. The engrafted
words charged with the Divine Spirit of the Master very
soon bear fruit. Christ in this connection says, "I am the
vine, ye are the branches, and as branches cannot do with-
out the vine, ye cannot do without me . . . Let you abide
in me and my words abide in you."
Again, these charmed words of the Master — Basic
Names of God— have the power to dispel the forces of
darkness that may meet and assail a Spirit on its onward
journey. Simran of these Names helps the soul both in the
physical plane and supra-physical planes, one after the
110 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
other. Hence it is imperative that Simran be done of such
Names as the Master-soul enjoins, for they are charged
with a tremendous spiritual power which negative powers
can hardly put up with and from which they flee as from
an enchanter driven. Immortal and everlasting as these
words of the Master are, they bestow life everlasting to
the soul in which they sink and take root. Death cannot
come near such a soul. This is why it is said, "Take not
God's name in vain."
Every name has its own significance, influence, energy
and power. If one thinks of ice, he is reminded of the
bleak cold and the shivers it brings; the thought of fire puts
into mind its attributes of heat and warmth. The word
"lawyer" is suggestive of courts and cases, and "doctor" at
once conjures up pictures of hospitals, patients and medi-
cine chests, etc. It is a common saying, "As you think, so
you become." Thought is said to be the keynote to success.
There is always a strong link between a name and the
named, and much greater and stronger is this link between
God and His Names. It may be said that God Himself re-
sides and dwells in His own Names (basic and original
and not derivative or attributive).
Simran of the Basic Names of God has an inevitable in-
fluence on the mind. It leads to dhyan, making the spirit
forgetful of the world and worldly objects. In meditation
nothing but concentrated Simran remains and from the
great and deep silence of the heart (Hriday Kamal of the
Saints, i.e., the Divine Ground behind the eyebrows) there
issues forth a ceaseless Sound Current, which helps in pull-
ing the spirit up, leading to the withdrawal from the body
(without of course breaking the silver cord) and guides
SIMRAN 111
the spirit in its onward journey into various spirit realms.
The luminous form of the Master always remains with the
spirit helping and guiding it at every step. This Sound
Principle is the link between God and man and in this way
an indissoluble bond and relationship is established be-
tween the Creator and His creation. This Sound Current
is variously described by various sages. The Vedas speak
of it as Sruti (that which is heard); the Upanishads de-
scribe it as Nad or Udgit (song of the other world). The
Muslims call it Bang-i-Asmani or Kalma. In Gurbani we
have references to Shabd and in the Gospel it is mentioned
as the "Word." The Zoroastrians call it Sarosha and the
French have given it the name of Elan-vital or life current.
Once the consciousness takes root in this Sound Princi-
ple or Voice of the Silence, life everlasting is assured to
the spirit. There is no other way to God than this and it
can only be reached by means of Simran of God's Names.
"Knock and it shall be opened unto thee" is what the
Gospel preached. Emerson calls it "tapping inside." This
knocking and tapping is possible only when through Sim-
ran the mind is stilled and the spirit is withdrawn and con-
centrated before the very door of God. This then is the
way as ordained by God Himself, but no one can find it
without the grace of the Master-soul, an adept in the
science of spirituality, not only in theory like Yagyavalkya
but in practice as well like Ashtavakra, one who has tran-
scended all the planes (physical, subtle, causal and beyond)
and holds a commission from God to lead other souls to
Him.
112 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
How to Do Sim ran:
For Simran one has to adopt some convenient posture
and then fix his attention on the Divine Ground between
the eyebrows. Simran is entirely a mental process and is
to be done mentally with the tongue of thought, while the
gazing faculty is to be fixed at the spot behind the two
eyebrows as said above. The Words as given by the Mas-
ter may slowly be repeated mentally or with the tongue of
thought. It should be done without causing any strain or
pressure on the forehead. The practice may be started with
a half hour or so as may be convenient, but in course of
time it should be developed to two or three hours a day or
even longer. Simran of the Divine Names introverts the
mind and weans it from worldly thoughts and mundane
matters, until it gets stilled and is equipoised.
Some do Simran with closed eyes and others with open
eyes. The first in some cases sinks into drowsiness leading
to what may be called Yog Nidra, and the second in some
cases keeps the mind engaged on environments. One has
therefore to guard against both pitfalls. Simran with closed
eyes is preferable provided one retains full consciousness.
It must be done regularly every day at a fixed time. Hafiz,
Sufi poet of Persia, says "The only job is to pray, unmind-
ful of whether it is accepted or not." This means you have
to remember the Lord internally without any clutching to
receive one thing or the other. We have to leave everything
to Lord or Master working overhead. Just as we need food
for the body, so do we need food for the soul. We are
very careful in giving food to the horse of the body, but
starve the rider — the spirit — the life-giving fountainhead
SIMRAN 113
that enlivens the body and without which it has no value.
We must provide food to spirit more regularly than we do
for the body; no matter where we are, whether at home or
abroad, and no matter what the circumstances may be, this
should be our first and foremost concern.
The Simran of Naam or Word is an elixir of life and in
fact a panacea (healing) for all ills, physical, mental, acci-
dental or ordained. It is a food for the spirit and when the
spirit is strong and healthy it will charge the body with
vital currents of life and light, dispelling all darkness
from head to foot. It is the bread of life spoken of by
Christ when he declared you cannot live on bread alone.
But you can live on the Name of God alone.
Simran and Dhyan (meditation) flood the spirit with
the waters of life. Spirit comes to its own, rises in its latent
Godhood and like a tumultuous mountain stream rushes
headlong toward the ocean of life which is its perennial
source and merges therein, losing its separate identity.
There are no limitations as to time and place for Simran.
It may be done at any time and at any place, sitting or
standing, walking, or in bed, but it must be done in a state
of conscious wakefulness. Early morning hours (Amrit
Vela) is the best time for Simran. A light and frugal night
meal, consisting of milk and fruits, and morning ablutions
are aids in the right direction. Purity of thoughts, words
and deeds go a long way to make success of the Sadhan
(spiritual discipline) for ethical life precedes spiritual life
and is in fact the very ground on which the spiritual struc-
ture has to be raised. For a householder, it is very neces-
sary to observe strict discipline in life, in matters of diet,
drink and speech. Again Simran must be done slowly and
114 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
the Words are to be repeated or thought out with clarity.
The whole process is to be carried out with love, devotion
and single-minded attention to ensure quick results. When
properly done for some time, a state of divine intoxication
comes upon the spirit and blessed calmness is experienced.
All worldly thoughts vanish like thin air and the spirit feels
freed from the bodily tenements and is irresistibly drawn
upward by the Unseen Power of the Master. When it thus
withdraws from the sensual planes, it gets concentrated at
its own seat, the inner light dawns, and one by one spiritual
experiences like the starry welkin, the moon and the sun
unfold themselves. One comes across frequent references
to these things in all the scriptures both ancient and mod-
ern, like the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Holy Koran, the
Gurbani, the Gospel, etc. The Prophets Mohammed and
Moses speak of the various inner lights. In the Bible there
are repeated references to the thunder and lightning in con-
nection with the Voice of God as it spoke to the prophets.
As the spirit crosses over these initial stages and lands
in the subtle plane, the luminous form of the Master ap-
pears, takes charge of the soul and leads it on the onward
spiritual journey from plane to plane. With the advent of
the Master the work of Simran is completed, and the as-
pirant's soul lies wholly in the hands of the Master-soul.
Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, has given a
glowing account of the results which one can have by do-
ing the sweet remembrance of the Word. He impresses on
us to remember Him all the time in the words as used by
the Saints in the past. There are so many names of the
One Reality and our aim and goal is common. We have
to start from the name and contact with the Named. Un-
SIMRAN 115
less you contact the Named you cannot derive the full
benefit of the words repeated by you. For instance you
say "water" in English, aqua in Latin, pani and aab in
Urdu and Persian, jal and nir in Hindi, but by repetition
of these names alone your thirst cannot be satisfied. It is
only by drinking the particular fluid which is called by so
many names that your thirst is appeased. By doing Sim-
ran of the world and its environments, they have so much
taken possession of us that we have become the world and
it environments. We have to use the same methods so as to
eliminate all the worldly thoughts from within by remem-
bering sweetly of the Lord in the words devised by the
Saints so far. So there are two uses of Simran: one use is
to withdraw from the body by Simran of the electrified
words given by a competent Master, and the second is to
drive out the world and its thoughts from within us by the
constant remembrance of the Lord in so many ways as
prescribed, the description of which has been given above
in detail.
Kabir on Simran :
I have given a digest of the whole subject matter in con-
nection with Simran. It will not be out of place to put be-
fore you the sayings of the different Saints on this subject.
I now put before you the statements made by Saint Kabir
on the subject. He says:
Comforting is God's Name. All ills it cures.
Remembrance of God's Name leads to Him be-
sides.
Further, Kabir says:
Among high and low, among rich and poor,
116 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Great is he who prays and greater still he that
motiveless does so.
Pelf and power hardly make a man. Poverty and riches are
both transitory. A man of Simran stands far above all
mankind. He is much more blessed than the rest. Most
people crave for worldly things. Some are desirous of hav-
ing children, others hanker after wealth and still others
after name and fame. The kind Father, of course, grants
prayers of all. But a man of Simran. on the other hand,
asks for nothing. He seeks God for God's sake and hence
is the crowning glory to Him.
Once Akbar, the great Moghul Emperor, while riding,
lost his way and felt thirsty. He asked a farmer standing
near a well for water. The peasant tied the Emperor's horse
to a nearby tree and gave water and food to him. little
knowing who he was. The King was pleased with his hos-
pitality and told him who he was and bade the farmer to
see him, should he ever stand in need of anything. After
sometime the farmer had an opportunity to visit the me-
tropolis. He went to see the King as he was bidden to do.
On going to the royal palace, he found that the King was
busy praying and at the end he requested God for the
peace and prosperity of his kingdom. Seeing this, the farm-
er felt humiliated for having come to beg from a beggar;
for he too could directly appeal to the Great God, who
listens alike to the prayers of both rich and poor.
Guru Nanak has said, '"Why should we ask for worldly
things from God?" All those who love the body and bodily
relations go the way of hell, but one who does Simran
motiveless is truly great. We generally pray for the fulfil-
ment of our wishes and desires. So long as a man or a
SIMRAN 117
woman is full of these, the human body far from being a
temple of God is an abode of Satan. So Kabir says that
God loves those who love God alone: for no other pur-
pose but for the love of God. The same is in the Sikh
Scriptures: "What should I ask for? There is nothing last-
ing in all the world over. I see the whole world passing
away."
Kabir says,
In pain we pray to God, in pleasure we forget,
Could we in pleasure pray, then pain would not
come up.
We remember God only when we are hard pressed from
every side. It is affliction and not affluence that turns us
Godward. If one were not to forget God in prosperity, ad-
versity would never come near him. Hard times only come
as a result of sins committed when forgetful of the Lord.
Simran (or constant remembrance of God) is a tonic for
the soul. It makes the will grow stronger from day to day.
Troubles and trials, however severe, cannot cow him down.
With a smiling face he pulls through the storms of fate or
destiny unscathed. Simran is a panacea for all the ills of
the world. It is a potent remedy and works wonders to
remove worry where all human efforts fail. A man of Sim-
ran never has any worry or anxiety.
Simran to be very effective must be constant and cease-
less. Once Moses, the Prophet of the Hebrews, felt that
he was the most devoted of God's creatures. In an ego-
tistic frame of mind, he questioned God if there was in the
world a greater devotee than himself. The Great God told
Moses that among His devotees were included many birds
118 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
and animals besides human beings. Pointing to a solitary
bird in the jungle, God directed Moses to meet the said
bird, if he wanted to know the great depths of devotion.
As Moses did not know the language of the birds, God
endowed him with an understanding so that he could talk
with him. Moses approached the bird and inquired as to
how he was. The bird replied that engaged as he was in
constant remembrance (Simran) he could ill afford any
time for a useless conversation except for the Beloved's
sake who had sent him. Next the prophet asked the bird
if he had any trouble in which he could be of any help to
him. The bird replied that he had no trouble whatsoever,
but if the prophet wished to do him a favor, he asked him
to bring nearer to him the spring of water that lay at a
distance, as a flight to it to quench his thirst interfered in
his Simran. This incident humbled the pride of Moses.
Guru Nanak also speaks in this wise: "If 1 forget You,
O God, even for a fraction of a minute, this amounts to
me more than fifty years." Again He says, "He who is in
constant remembrance of God, only he is alive, O Nanak;
all others are dead."
Simran must be done at all costs. Constant remembrance
of God is life-giving to the devotee. Guru Nanak says,
"If I remember Thee I live. When I forget Thee that means
death to me." There are many devices to develop concentra-
tion. Some stand for hours and hours. Others keep their
arms uplifted. Some engage in breathing exercises like
Pranayam, and some sleep on nails or sit under the burning
sun with four fires lit around them (i.e., Panch Agni Tap
or the austerity of the five fires). But all these methods
are artificial. Simran or the remembrance of God is the
SIMRAN 119
only natural method and the easiest to follow and develop.
It can be practiced with equal ease by both the young and
the old — in one's hearth and home and in the midst of
kith and kin as well as in his business.
Kabir further says:
Forgetful of prayer in pleasure, we pray only in
pain;
So says Kabir: such prayers go all in vain.
Since we remember the Lord only when in trouble and
never care for Him when in affluent circumstances, Saint
Kabir says that God also does not listen to such selfish
prayers which are muttered in vain in distress over one's
ailments or when one is involved in a lawsuit, etc.
Prayer should be ceaseless, overflowing as a lover's
passions are, forgetting not his love even for the twinkling
of an eye. When a man falls in love with a woman, he
carries her image in his mind at all times whether sleeping
or awake, sitting or standing. // one could carry with him
the love of God like this, it would be grand indeed.
Kabir goes on to explain how the sweet remembrance of
God should be done. He gives another example of the
same type. He says:
Attend to the prayer as do the village maids,
Who move talking with attention always fixed on
pitchers overhead.
The daily routine of life, says Kabir, does not interfere
with the Simran. The village maids as they go to fetch
water carry pitchers of water one above the other on their
heads and in spite of an unseen path, they keep jesting
and talking among themselves while the pitchers remain
120 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
steady on their heads, as their attention is pertinently fixed
on them. Similarly one need not forget Simran even in the
midst of the hustle and bustle of life and worldly obli-
gations.
Kabir again says:
Attend to prayer as kine do the calves,
Who grazing under lea, never forget their young.
When a grazier takes the cows for grazing they do not for-
get the young ones they leave behind at home. All the
while they are busy grazing in the field their attention re-
mains fixed on their calves. In this way while engaged in
worldly pursuits, we should not forget our aim and objec-
tive in life, i.e., God Realization.
Kabir gives another example to explain and bring home
the fact that we should do the remembrance of the Lord:
Attend to the prayers as misers do the wealth,
With mind forever fixed on the hoarded pelf.
A pauper collects his money by begging coppers and keeps
counting it day and night. Whether sleeping or waking, he
is dreaming all the time of his little hoarding. We too,
should like a pauper always keep an account of the Simran
that we do and try to accumulate bit by bit the wealth of
Naam — not forgetting it for a moment.
Kabir has given so many examples so that we may
understand the true value of real Simran which brings
forth fruit.
Love the prayer as the deer loves the trumpet
sound
Who life and freedom risketh for sweet music's
sake.
SIMRAN 121
A fleet-footed deer which cannot otherwise be caught is
entrapped by the hunters, just by means of playing upon
the trumpet. He is so enamored of the sound that he is
irresistibly drawn toward it and helplessly places his head
on the musical instrument. In just the same way, when
once the ever restless mind hears the Nad (or the Sound
Current within) it is charmed, stilled and becomes motion-
less. Soul when freed from the tentacles or talons of the
mind is able to soar easily to higher regions.
Another example he gives:
Love the prayer as the moth loves the light,
In its flame doth burn itself, never turns aside.
Light is the very life of the moth. He loves it so passion-
ately that he does not hesitate to singe himself to death,
rather than to avoid it. Kabir Sahib therefore says that we
must love Simran as the very breath of our life whether
rich or poor, healthy or sick, awake or asleep, and like a
moth be ever-ready to sacrifice our very self in our devo-
tion to our ideal.
Again he says:
Lose yourself in the sweet remembrance as the
keet in the bhirangi,
Who for sooth loses itself to rise bhirangi like.
Bhirangi (an insect) after almost killing a keet (another
insect) revives the latter to life by bestowing its powerful
attention to it. The keet when charmed back to life is no
longer a keet but becomes a bhirangi-being saturated with
the life impulse of the latter. In just the same way Kabir
says that one who does Simran and gets firmly engrafted
therein will have new birth and new life quite distinct
122 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
from the old sensual life he has been living hitherto.
This is the "second birth" of which all the Saints speak.
Christ says, "Unless you lose this life you cannot have life
everlasting." "Except a man be born of water (first birth)
and of the Spirit (second birth) he cannot enter the king-
dom of God." "The first birth was of corruptible seed, and
the second shall be of seed incoruptible." This may be
called "birth in Christ," and when it actually takes place,
one would like St. Paul say, "It is not I but Christ speaks
in me." The principle of engrafted life works alike in plants
as well as in man and is in accord with the laws of Nature.
Hazrat Baziad Bustanvi, a man of extreme piety and de-
votion, once looked within himself and found nothing but
God. In a state of divine intoxication he exclaimed. "I am
God!" His disciples, unused to hearing such apparently
sacrilegious words, wondered what had happened to the
Pir (Master.) After some time, when the Master had
come down from the super-conscious state, they inquired
of him why he had exclaimed that he was God which was
quite contrary to his usual instructions to them (that God
could not come into a human body). The Master told
them that the expression "I am God" was not uttered by
him but by someone else (he could according to the
Koranic Law be condemned as a heretic for uttering such
blasphemous words). After some time, this Hazrat was
once again seized by a fit of God-intoxication and began
to exclaim, "I am God." This time some of his disciples
came down upon their Master with staves, spears and
swords. In the Masnavi by Maulana Rumi (the original
poetic narrative in this behalf), it is stated that whoever
aimed a blow at the Master's head, hands or legs got his
SIMRAN 123
own chopped off, while the Master beside himself kept
chanting, "I am God." The disciples were amazed and in-
quired of the Pir the significance of the incident. The Pir
with a smile on his face informed them that one who
merged his little entity (soul) into the greater entity (Over-
soul) becomes one with God and no one could hit or
harm him.
Similarly it is mentioned in Ghat Ramayan (a sacred
book of the Hindus) that Tulsi Sahib of Hathras (a man
of great devotion) when staying with Baji Rao Hulkar, a
Maharatta chieftain of Stara, once said: "While the people
see my physical raiment (the body), I actually live out of
it."
Our own Master Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji was once
on tour to Gujranwala city in the Punjab when some oppo-
nents came up with the idea of fighting. Master was inside.
He rose up. He was in a state of God-intoxication and said,
"Look at me, who am I?" And it was all quiet.
This is the general experience of those who sometimes
become God intoxicated. Such statements bring out the
true meaning of Simran.
Saint Kabir gives so many examples. He says:
Love the prayer as fish love the water,
Who would rather die than be separated from
their element.
Water is the vital element of fish without which they can-
not live. A fish would prefer to die rather than live without
it even for a single moment. Similarly, Simran (the Sound
Current) is the vital element in which we live and move
and have our being. Unless we by actual practice realize
124 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
this fundamental truth, we cannot have peace.
Now He further explains:
Pray we with all our heart in the silence of the
sou^-
Shut off the world without to unveil the Truth
within.
Simran is to be done with the tongue of thought and not
by word of mouth. It is entirely an inner mental process,
to be practiced only after the outlets of the outgoing fac-
ulties are closed up.
The treasure of Simran is to be kept hidden from the
people of the world. It is the most precious wealth, the
value of which worldly people can hardly realize. The
reality dawns only when you tap the veil behind the eyes.
Christ too says in this behalf, "Seek and ye shall find.
Knock and it shall be opened unto you."
Referring to the outer process which we generally do
by way of Simran, Kabir says:
By telling beads we please ourselves and yet we
never gain;
But if we were to make a bead of the mind, an
inward light would dawn again.
The telling of beads on the rosary gives just a mental sat-
isfaction, but leads nowhere. If you were to turn the beads
of the mind you would witness God's light within.
Kabir Sahib says that there is hardly any need of beaded
rosaries for while the hands are engaged in telling the
beads, the mind is fixed on the beads without and cannot
possibly withdraw within; and without this there is no gain
whatsoever. Conversely, when the mind is once absorbed
SIMRAN 125
in Simran (mental concentration) the iron curtain will
fling open (at the "Open Sesame" or enchanted words).
He says:
Aeons have passed in telling beads, yet our
minds changed not;
So cast off the wooden beads and take to the
mental ones.
Kabir Sahib therefore says that we waste our entire life in
performance of outer works of merits, but the soul finds
no inlet. The veil within does not give way and soul re-
mains without. We should therefore turn the bead of the
mind, and it will act like a push-button giving an ingress
of the soul to spiritual realms within.
Kabir further explains:
Continuous flow the symphonic strains sublime;
Divine in birth, they subdue the mind.
By concentration a feeling of numbness gradually creeps
up on the hands and feet and spreads on to the rest of the
body until the sensory current gets focused on the center
of the soul behind the two eyebrows (from whence during
wakefulness it proceeds). The concentrated energy then
falls back upon the veil behind the eyes which is rent asun-
der, opening a brilliant vista ahead. The sun and moon in
turn appear with a melodious Sound Current emerging
from beyond. These unbroken strains of music continue of
their own accord. When this stage is reached an aspirant
has nothing more to do except to be absorbed in them.
Kabir goes on further saying that:
True rosary lies in the mind, the rest is all sham
and a worldly show;
126 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Lo, the rosary on the Persian wheel draws water
alone.
Simran to be effective should be characterized by love, af-
fection and devotion. If the rosary alone were to lead to
God, then the big rosary on the Persian wheel could as
well do the same thing. But our daily experience shows
that they fail to achieve any such thing (rosaries on the
Persian wheel are the ropes to which the water pots are
attached and they fetch water only and nothing else).
Similarly the Chinese have invented what is called the
"Wheel of Prayer." If it is once put in motion it makes
about a thousand rounds. They transcribe a mantra or
a holy hymn on a piece of paper and put it on the wheel
and set it into motion and feel satisfied that they have re-
peated the holy name a thousand times; but to no avail.
Simran done parrot-like by repeating a mantra thousands
of times in this way cannot bear any fruit.
Among orthodox Hindus there is a practice of writing
the word Ram, Ram or the Word of God on paper in
thousands every day. After some time they scissor down
each word Ram and put it in a pill of flour and consign
the pills to the waters of some running stream and believe
that they have gained religious merit. It gives only a little
remembrance of Ram. If one were to tell them that real
Ram is within them, they would not believe it. So they
neither find Ram nor do they get any substantial thing.
Similarly Purbias (an orthodox sect who attach great
importance to outer rituals and try to perform them with
religious faith) generally take a bath early in the morning
in the waters of a running stream, as an act of religious
merit. Once a few Purbias went to Kabul in Afghanistan
SIMRAN 127
(a hilly country to the northwest of India) where the wea-
ther is generally very cold. Here one of them went for a
bath in the Kabul River, but finding the water icy cold he
hesitated to enter the stream. He thought of a good device
to escape the ordeal and yet satisfy his scruples. He took
up a pebble and threw it into the stream, saying "O pebble,
thy bath shall also be mine." After saying this he turned
back and on the way met another Purbia going to the river
for his morning ablutions. The latter asked him if he had
taken the bath in the chilly bleak weather. The former in-
formed him of the vicarious pebble-bath that he had had,
and thereupon the other fellow embraced him saying,
"Your bath is my bath as well." In this the blind leads the
blind and both fall into the ditch by performing deeds
blindly.
Kabir Sahib further refers to the rosary, saying:
Over the wooden rosary you have wasted much
time;
Now take to the mental rosary, that has no knot
on the end.
"O Kabir, the telling of the wooden-beaded rosary is a
great laborious task, but continuous mental rosary, as of
the breath beads (incoming and outgoing) is a natural
phenomenon. It goes on endlessly without any effort."
In the rosary there is the head knot. When one round is
completed it is to be reversed so as not to neutralize the
effect, for beads are to be told in one direction only. So
Kabir advises that we should take to the natural rosary of
the breath which being an endless continuation has no
knots and needs no reversal at all.
128 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Further he says :
On continuous fruitless revolution,
The rosary cried out quarreling,
"Why do you turn me round and round?"
Turn mental rosary should you want a Master
guide.
Telling beads and counting the turns on fingers,
Hollow are such deeds of merit, performed with
wandering mind.
How can God be found with an insensate mind?
Kabir says, "When doing all ablutions or purificatory exer-
cises like telling the beads, etc., your mind is not still,
what is the good of doing them after all? While you are
telling the beads and counting the number of rosary revo-
lutions performed on your fingers, the mind like an un-
bridled colt is wandering about. All such deeds are there-
fore of no avail. You can meet God through a living Mas-
ter only, when according to His instructions, you learn to
bridle the mind and turn it the other way" (i.e., inward
and upward from its usual way of looking at things out-
ward and downward). The practice of concentration and
focusing of the mind can only be achieved through Simran
as enjoined by a Master-soul and by nothing else.
Kabir Sahib further presses the point.
In vain is the rosary that loosens not the mind
knot.
A true heaven lies in the Master's feet alone.
No outer shows are needed, all must be done
within;
Why lose time with the outside world?
SIM RAN 129
/ am now engaged in my Lord within.
Simran as said above is a mental or inner process and as
such the rosary or any other aid cannot be of any use in
this behalf. By concentration at the blessed feet of the
Master, by implicit faith in his instructions, and by putting
them into actual practice, we can attain a stage of perfect
bliss. There is no short cut but that of Simran as enjoined
by the Master.
The Bible too says, "Be ye the doers of the Word and
not the hearers only," and then you will enter New Jeru-
salem.
Conclusion
The Naam or Word is within you. This is to be contacted
within. The observance of the outer rituals and perform-
ance of so-called meritorious deeds cannot be of any help
in this matter. While the untold treasure of divinity lies
hidden within, we search for it without and so all our ef-
forts go in vain.
Emerson in this connection says, "The human body is a
temple of God and as such God can only be made manifest
from within." The contact between an individual spirit or
human soul and the Oversoul is of course established by a
Master-soul by means of the Sound Current or Word.
Another Saint, Bikha, says: "O Bikha, there is no man
starving in this world. Everybody has a diamond of pre-
cious value within. They do not know how to withdraw
from the body and concentrate the sensory current and
transcend the lower chakras in the body. That is why they
feel hungry. They have the thing within them but they
do not know how to come out of the body to contact it."
130 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
The Sound Current or Word is contacted through the
medium of Simran, which withdraws the spirit current
from the body; when the current comes up to the seat of
the soul in the waking state, only then it contacts the Con-
scious Power working throughout the whole creation. It
will therefore appear that Simran or the process of the
sweet remembrance of the Word is the stepping stone to
contacting the Word within. The first step is therefore to
do the Simran or repetition of the charged words given by
a competent Master, and the second step is, when the soul
is withdrawn to its seat in the body at the back of the two
eyes, it contacts the Word which is called Naam, Shabd,
Nad, Akash Bani, Kalma, Sarosha, etc. This Word has two
phases : one is of Light and the other of Sound, which the
soul experiences when it comes in contact with that Power.
He sees the Light of God and hears sweet symphonies of
the rapturous strains of the Sound Current going on with-
in which gives its sweetness very sublime and ineffable; so
sweet that no words can convey.
Farid, a Muslim Saint, says: "O Lord, there are so
many sweet things in the world such as honey, buffalo
milk, sugar, but the sweetness that Your Name conveys,
O Lord, is far sweeter than all these." It is a subject to be
done practically and tasted by the individual self. It is not
a matter of routine only nor of mere talking. It is a matter
to experienced by contact within. Those who have tasted
the sweet elixir of it have talked about it in glowing terms.
Once Guru Nanak met Babar, the great King of India,
who was taking an intoxicant. He offered it to Guru Nanak
who told him, "Babar, this drug that you are taking loses
its intoxication, but the intoxication I have by contacting
SIMRAN 131
the Word of God is everlasting and cannot be diminished."
So it is an interesting subject. Those who have once tasted
a bit of it can never forget it. All the world's enjoyments
and other things lose their weight and value in their eyes.
Constant remembrance of the Lord further gives a
wakefulness to the man who is engaged in it. Tennyson in
his Memoirs gives an instance of his experience of a wak-
ing trance he had, which could be interesting to know. He
says:
A kind of waking trance I have frequently had quite
up from boyhood, when I have been all alone. This
has generally come upon me through repeating my
own name two or three times to myself silently till all
at once, as it were out of the intensity of conscious-
ness of individuality, the individuality seemed to dis-
solve and fade away into boundless being and this is
not a confused state but the clearest of the clearest,
the surest of the surest, the wisest of the wisest, ut-
terly beyond words, where death was a laughable im-
possibility, the loss of personality (if so it were)
seemingly but the only true life. I am ashamed of my
feeble description, have I not said the state is utterly
beyond words.
This wakefulness Tennyson had by remembering his own
name two or three times, quite calmly; this was, as it were,
dipping into his own self, the soul. If we but dip in our
source — God — by constant remembrance, losing our own
selves into the whole, how much greater consciousness and
wakefulness full of intoxication we would have. We can
well consider all this. Thank you for your patient hearing.
sant: the master was first issued in the 1950 s in
mimeographed form, then went out of print for many
years. It was published in Sat Sandesh in August 1970,
and has remained in print as a pamphlet ever since. The
footnotes are the author's.
Sant: The Master
Perhaps one might ask, "What sort of a person is a Sant
about whom so much has been said, as distinguished
from commonly known grades of Masters, such as San-
yasis, Rishis, Munis, Tikhishwars, Munishwars, Yog-
ishwars, past Masters, founders and ministrants of reli-
gions, etc.?"
No doubt a Sant (or Sadhu) is an ordinary man to all
external appearances. He is, however, a great deal more:
a "perfect man" with experience of outer and inner life.
Outer living may be different in various countries, but in-
ner experiences wherever known are the same; although
they speak of differing phases according to the degree of
inner approach. These are not denied as far as they go,
but direct and full phases are announced by Sants who
also offer experience along with their theory. What more
is needed by man?
Voluminous books recording experiences of Sants in
this science of Nature are full of their praises. Still, it is
very difficult to know more about a Sant even if he is your
nearest neighbor or daily passes on the same road.
History shows that once the Czar of Russia, moved by
the fate of certain exiled subjects of his dominion working
as shipbuilding laborers on a far-off coast, went in disguise
to them, worked with them for a number of years, and per-
suaded them to return to their homes. The laborers pro-
134 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
tested that they had been turned out of the dominion and
there was no hope for them. The Czar assured them that
he had influence with the royal court, including some with
the Czar, and that there would be no trouble. Those who
believed him agreed to accompany him to their homes. On
the way their faith in their fellow worker was confirmed
when the Czar disguised as a laborer was warmly greeted
by his men. At last when all saw in the end that the distin-
guished laborer was none other than the Czar himself sit-
ting on the throne before their eyes, they heaved sighs of
relief. How could they have known him or believed him
before?
The Unseen High One uses a very selected human pole,
who, by dint of his continued, untiring and unending en-
deavors, unequaled in self-sacrifice and boundless love
for Him during life, contacts Him within himself, becomes
His conscious co-worker, and is utilized and assigned the
mission of giving solace to afflicted seekers of Him, to
rescue them from the worries of the world and to unite all
such ones to Him who owns them.
Man needs man to understand, and so a Sant is the
High One in the guise of a man to whom those longing for
Him can approach. The Unseen Almighty has His own law
in this respect. Thus, Sant is God plus man. He is a mouth-
piece of God, or if one is pleased to accept it, he is God
in person, "personified God." He is most sacred "personal
God" * invested with all powers and authority and is a liv-
1. One might feel aversion at this expression, but if one thinks
deeply he will realize that holy personalities in every religion were
men in physical bodies duly contacted with the High Lord, and
advised, healed or talked of the Holy Father only as savior from
sin and giver of salvation. God has no co-sharer is the general
sant: the master 135
ing altar to pray to, to seek solution of man's problems
from birth to death and after; in short, to extricate man
from the network of worries and bestow true salvation.
Thus God moves as ordinary man in disguise. As a man
externally no one can recognize him, but only one who
contacts a Master Saint within himself according to the
science, i.e., the laws that He has laid down for man. Ex-
ternally, if one takes a Master Saint as an ordinary man,
he cannot derive any more benefit from him than he could
from anyone of the level that he takes him for. If one takes
him as a superman, much more benefit can be derived, and
if he is taken as all-in-all, still more. If one contacts a
Master within himself, he gets all and everything. It is not
a matter of one's thinking range, which is blind faith.
It depends on the extent of understanding of this Divine
belief, and as such God, through the selected human pole, spoke
each time and not man. The Divine Science brings to light this
important fact and has more respect for all such personalities
and their teachings than any religious circles today.
Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras (U. P., India) once, accompanied
by some of his devoted disciples, visited a fair in the locality
there. Among some visitors who gathered as inquirers and seekers
around him happened to be a queen, Tara Mati by name, who
leaving her state carriage at a distance, came for darshan of Holy
Tulsi Sahib.
Casting a glance over the thousands of people in the fair, Tulsi
Sahib uttered a few words: "If anyone or the whole multitude
comes to me and says that they want to see the True Lord on
High, I will take them to Him just now." Queen Tara Mati, who
heard him, stepped forward with folded hands and said, "Please
take me to Him, O Holy One." She sat with eyes closed on the
ground and was given the experience right there on the spot.
When she came back into the physical body from the high regions
and opened her eyes, she said, "You were on the high seat of the
Great Lord. Why did you not tell me so before?" Tulsi Sahib
replied, "You would not have believed me then."
136 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Science. That which comes from the heart will go to the
heart.
A question was once put to Hazur Baba Sawan Singh
Ji Maharaj: "Bodies of all men are made of the same mud
(i.e., material flesh, blood, etc.), what superiority is at-
tached to the personal body of a Sant which makes him
superior to any other man?"
Hazur replied: "No doubt, all bodies are composed of
mud, but the body of a Sant is made of the purest particles
of it available in the universe. Every word, every look,
every move, every touch, even the aura of a Sant is en-
dowed with mercy, love and grace of God. His society is
specially electrified and the atmosphere charged. The purer
the heart of a man, the more he realizes and feels. Even
those who listen to him, accept and absorb what he says,
are not left blank. They are benefited.
"When a Sant walks on the ground, the land becomes
pure and sacred. When he walks over the grass or in
walking crushes any worms or insects, they get a man's
body direct, irrespective of the cyclic order and stages of
evolution of creation of life on earth in Nature's science. -
2. As a description of this subject as revealed by the Sants
would take too much space, it is omitted here.
Swami Ji (Sant Shiv Dayal Singh Ji of Agra) when casting off
his physical body at will which Sants do, said as his last words.
"In the phenomena of life on earth each variety of embodied
creation has been lifted to the next grade of category. Selected
ones (among men) with high virtuous living will be inclined to
this side (the inner science)." (Life of Swamiji Maharaj, fourth
edition, 1938, p. 117)
(Sant) Maulana Shamas Tabrez once said, "When I die and
my body is burnt and my ashes are used as manure in a wheat
field, and that wheat is made into flour and bread is made of it,
and that bread is served to be eaten, then not only the eater but
SANT: THE MASTER 137
The fruit trees and plants from which the cereal comes
which a Sant uses in his diet also get human bodies di-
rectly. The tree, a portion of a branch of which the Sant
uses as his datan (toothbrush), and the cows who provide
milk for the Sants also get man's body direct. Similarly the
mares, etc., Sants ride, the ants or worms whose bodies
touch the flowing water in which a Sant bathes, or any
flying bird who happens to see the naked portion of the
body of a Sant also get the same advantage."
An ordinary man would take this as an enigma or joke
and would hardly be prepared to believe because his test-
ing stone is his intellect, and he knows nothing of the
Power of God, or such powers delegated to or concessions
inherent in the bodies of Sants, unless he acquires experi-
ence in the noble science that has been designed by God
Himself for man. It is true that God is unseen to external
eyes, but He has not left man all forlorn on earth so far
as approach to Him is concerned. The door of approach,
the starting point, for any search or research in this con-
nection lies within man. The Sant is the means.
Man therefore must adopt a course different from that
upon which he is attempting to make headway; but proud
of his "learning" in many fields, he goes astray, just as
one examining a bowl found in the ruins of a far-off coun-
try begins to ponder, speculate and concentrate his imagin-
ings on the potter who made it long ago. He draws a sketch
of the potter in his mind, makes images of him and his im-
plements, and in so doing writes books, one after the other,
trying to impress others and prove that his findings are
the server of the bread will be intoxicated (with the love of Him)
to an extent beyond expression."
138 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
true and deserve praise. Alas, man is far from the right
track.
Simple is Truth and still simpler the language of Truth
spoken by the Sants, whose simple and brief words uttered
from the heart satisfy, pacify and console the most be-
wildered and troubled souls. They speak involuntarily and
unaffectedly.
A Sant is the mouthpiece of God, and God Him-
self speaks through the human throat.
MAULANA RUMI
As a man, a Sant is always submissive to His Will in hap-
penings in life. Bear and forbear is a Sant's creed. He is
like a sandalwood tree on which a feller's axe strikes its
blows, but the tree continues to give forth its fragrance,
even to the edge of the blade which cuts it.
In the company of a Sant the agitated mind becomes
still. He stands for the good of man and does his work as
a friend or brother, if one's mind is not prepared to ac-
cept him as a guide. He remains concealed, but by his very
concealment is added fame to fame and glory to glory. 3
3. A Sant will never say that he is a Sant. Hazur, when he was
told that he was true Guru Nanak, used to say openly before
thousands in Satsang that he did not bear any likeness even to
the dogs of Guru Nanak. This humility places Sants above the
level of the highest cultivated human beings, who are often prey
to egotism. It is the summit of merits of Sants as men.
Concealment is the essential attribute of Sants. It is inherent in
their character. God is concealed and prefers to remain so,
from the external view of man. This Law is from the High One
for those bodies in which the Lord is pleased to work. Disregard
of this Divine Law results in bodily punishment. For this reason
also, a Master Saint never shows any miracle for attracting souls
from mundane life for purposes of initiation. A student or dis-
ciple, however, sees any number of miracles at each move in this
SANT: THE MASTER 139
He does not see who a person is, what position he holds,
or to what school of thought or race he belongs. He simply
sees that one coming to him is an ensouled human being
— man. The Sant is so watchful and alert a merchant of
his precious goods (i.e., the spiritual science) that anybody
who thinks himself the most clever, the wisest, the most
highly educated, a performer of miracles, etc., cannot get
even the scent of what he has, though one may try his
very best. The Sant loves theists as well as atheists, or even
the worst sinners or those who are drowned in sensual
pleasures of the world, just as a loving mother will not
throw away her child completely covered in dirt and filth.
It takes a Sant to know a Sant. A Sant alone can de-
scribe a Sant. His presence in the midst of any society or
social group is its most precious adornment. He may be
seen going from one place to another but he does not go
there for any propaganda or selfish motive, but is attracted
by the strong silken ties of love in certain hearts. He is the
uplifting leader of moral cleanliness and spirituality.
Whether a metal be gold or iron, it is mere metal to a
Sant. He is not affected by offers of position of dignity or
indignity, honor or dishonor, nor moved by joys and sor-
rows, praise or censure. Sovereignty, wealth and beauty of
women are no attractions for a Sant. He is far above the
influences of lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego. He is
unaffected.
world or next after initiation. Sants neither dress themselves dis-
tinctly nor bear nor keep any mark, sign or symbol with them.
They do not say they are high of self, but mention their own
Masters. When told they are great, they reply that it is none of
their doing; it is the kindness and mercy of their Master.
140 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Sants or Sadhus 1 are above the three gunas. They are
selfless and reveal the Truth only. They are "Children of
Light" — beacons of the world. It is very seldom that one
comes across them — real ones. Like wrestlers, they are
not made in one day, nor are they from any school of
academic learning. They have had the experience of several
past lives. Every Saint has a past and every sinner a future.
They are common assets of humanity. They are experi-
enced personalities who have analyzed themselves and real-
ized God and can help to put us on the same path. What-
ever one has, he can give it to another.
How can the ordinary man know that a Master Saint
(Guru or Satguru) visits the heavens daily, takes charge of
his disciples' karma, winding it up and liquidating it under
his care and supervision? There are thousands of disciples
and how can the Master manage it? Man hears of these
things only occasionally. Sit by a Sant and you will feel
mental composure, calmness, and a tranquillity never ex-
perienced before, and much more too. The minds of
those who have the least spark of love of God in them,
experience an awakening even when they just hear that
there is a Master who can really guide them to the thresh-
old.
In going to a Master we acquire:
1. Reciprocity of heart;
4. Sadhu is another common name for a Sant, and there exists
a great deal of misconception about this term. The word as used
here is not meant to refer to the millions of people who wear the
colored robes found in India and generally known as Sadhus. A
distinctive dress is not necessarily proof that a man has made
inner progress.
sant: the master 141
2. Staying still behind the eyes;
3. Contact with the "Divine Link."
In the places of pilgrimage, the holy ones of olden times
bestowed at least these three boons which are stepping
stones to direct spirituality. Words and theories have now
been substituted for these prerequisites of the Divine
Science.
The teachings of the Sants are, in brief:
Man has valuable treasures of Divinity hidden with-
in him. Acquire the knowledge and experience that
made the Masters so high and holy, and unlock the
doors giving entrance into the Divine in practice- — -not
intellectually — right now, during your present life-
time. Purity of heart and the simple request is all that
is needed. You have to pay nothing for this Science
of Nature.
Into the society of Sants come men of all characters, in-
cluding those proud of their ideas, good or bad. Sants how-
ever do not employ police to keep away those who in the
eyes of the public are undesirable, and the strange thing is
that their own censure is the only doorkeeper that auto-
matically keeps them away.
The problem now before man is how to recognize and
identify a true Master from among so many he meets,
hears and reads about. We are used to seeing outwardly.
There are hardly any universal or common marks on the
person of a Sant. Still, we need some clues, some key. We
may point out, "Rishis and Munis are defined as those who
possess knowledge of the past, present and future. Yogis,
in addition to that, have miraculous powers to exhibit and
142 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
attract. Of gods, it is said they do not cast a shadow. At
least something must be said about genuine Sants and
Sadhus by either the ancients or moderns."
The reply is that for the ordinary layman and the nega-
tive-minded man, there can be hardly any indications that
a man may be a Sant. For the slightly advanced on the path
of love of God, and for those of astute observation, there
can be given some hints and clues. Much patience is
needed, however, to discover them:
1. Sants say that God is within man. (This is empha-
sized and repeated everywhere today, so it is not a con-
vincing clue for modern man.)
2. The eyes and forehead of one genuine Master bear
a strange contrast and striking resemblance to another.
(This is realized by very few of those who have lived dur-
ing the lifetimes of two such Masters and who have minute-
ly observed these features or signs in their faces. It is, in
fact, the one Benign Power working through two different
human poles one after the other, or even side by side,
which is also the case occasionally.)
3. They make visible or invisible three vertical veins on
their foreheads at will. 5
(This remarkable sign by which a Sant can be recognized
is mentioned by the ancients and is not discernible by many
until they learn of it and desire confirmation by this
means.)
4. When sitting in the presence of a real Sant, even with
open eyes, the sensory current of the body begins to con-
5. For (3) and (4) cf. Yog Vashist.
sant: the master 143
vene, gather up, and rise involuntarily and unknowingly
until felt. 5
(This experience is given by a Sant to a very few of the
selected ones. Ancient seekers aware of this "test of self"
have corroborated this.)
5. Sincere aspirants are given the experience of with-
drawal of the spirit current at the very first sitting at the
time of initiation.
(This is open to all coming under the protective fold of the
Master. He may be a new disciple or an old one who comes
to the Master to realize and correct any mistake under
which he may be laboring. This experience is also open to
those who received instructions from a self-styled master
in whom he has had faith, but from whom he has had no
experience.)
As a matter of fact, no one can know or find a true Mas-
ter unless and until the Master is pleased to reveal his own
identity himself to the innermost satisfaction of one de-
siring to confirm his faith in the Master. This is done ac-
cording to the extent of one's receptivity, and to the degree
that his capacity to understand and his love entitle him.
It depends wholly on the kindness and sweet mercy of God
through a Master. Some are given clues according to their
desires. The faith of some in their Master is confirmed
when a disciple is saved miraculously from some danger.
A favorable response to the prayers made to the Master
confirms faith in others. There are others who have book-
knowledge and are satisfied by the examples of others, so
they get confirmation that way. Masters have the knowl-
edge of measuring the capacity and range of everyone's
intellect and bestow faith accordingly. Sants know the
144 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
merits and evils of everyone but they never disclose them.
Divine Grace is never slow. A good mother says not,
"Will you?" but gives. From among the aspirants, they
are given the lion's share of Divine Faith in the Master
who come with downcast heads, heavy hearts and the
shuddering anguish of a lost soul, speechless with anxieties,
to unburden their worries. Meekness is no weakness. It is
a strong, cemented road of humility which leads to the
Benign Reality.
Experience is the only criterion. If a Master is able to
give us experience, we can accept him as one who knows
the Divine Science. One who is connected and can con-
tact, can give us contact. If one is in the first or second
grade and someone else sits by him for a whole lifetime,
he will never attain a high degree of education.
Man hesitates and fears to approach a Master Saint be-
cause his living is tarnished, maybe less in one and more
in another. Never fear to go to a Master Saint because you
are a sinner. He is meant more for sinners than for others.
He has a remedy for every wound. Approach him and
through him will be found a way to become rid of sin. If
one is far away, he can be contacted through correspon-
dence. He has means and methods to meet every case. He
is competent.
* * *
It will be easy now to realize that Para-Vidya has a scienti-
fic basis, though it differs a bit from the ordinary system.
It is not a scholastic system of philosophy based on intel-
lectual cleverness, much less is it a new code of social or
moral conduct, which are elementary steps. It is no blind
faith, but a to-the-point digest and clear-cut practical sci-
sant: the master 145
ence dealing with self-analysis, i.e., knowledge of self in
man, for the one who observes minutely. All authority is,
of course, vested in the practical Master Saint.
When a man is in one crowd, he will talk as the crowd
talks. If he joins another crowd he will talk as it does, and
so on. But if he takes his seat on a high mound he is able
to see and hear all, and to judge the actions of man bet-
ter. A Sant is like such a person. He looks down from on
high upon the world. He speaks of the state of man strug-
gling for existence, pretending that he knows all, when in
reality he knows little. Man does not know how to live,
what to do, what to eat, how to act in life nor why. He
has to depend upon his parents and teachers from child-
hood to youth, for all of his physical troubles he has to
depend upon his doctor, for earning his livelihood upon his
employer, and employers in turn upon their subordinates.
For instruction in all mundane affairs he is dependent upon
society; when faced with unforeseen dangers and sur-
rounded by suffering and when not comforted by any
thing, he depends upon the words of his minister or priest;
and finally he finds that all he can do is submit to Nature
and her laws. In vain he puts his trust in bodily strength
and in the stability of the future; at the same time he makes
his own way by heedlessly pushing others down the lad-
der. Little does he know that he can stand still in a flow-
ing stream, but not in the world of mankind.
Sants pity man. They care not for their own personal
comfort, and day and night advise man that his life is
short, very short, but the worth of holy Masters has been
underrated ever since wealth and pleasure have been over-
rated. Repeatedly Sants have warned man that in this
146 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Kali Yuga (iron age) man has been allotted a limited num-
ber of breaths in one lifetime. He has been given roughly
26,000 breaths a day (the amount varies from person to
person and is determined by the prarabdh or fate karma).
While sitting he spends 12 a minute; when walking, he
spends 18 a minute; and in sexual intercourse, 64. These
breaths are his entire legacy and wealth in bodily life.
Sants advise man to put this wealth in a secure bank of
proper adjustment in order to lengthen life and derive the
utmost from it. They emphasize that there is no other
way; but man will not listen. Sants further say that man
is subjected to the law of evolution in 8,400,000 kinds of
embodied creation and gets one body after the other and
in each body is further chained with iron fetters of the
inexorable law of Nature, Karma: first "work and act"
and then "cause and effect," and he must rid himself of
this cycle of repeated births and deaths in order to attain
peace. With open eyes, man watches living beings, even
man, suffering, dying with untold pain and agony, but he
smiles away the Truth as revealed by Sants, saying, "We
know better. We have our own solid science based on
facts, we have our inventions, our atomic energy, etc."
Thus the less man thinks, the more he talks, and
things not understood are admired. Notwithstanding all
this, the Sants continue pushing on with their mission with
perseverance and offering experience in the Divine Science,
Para Vidya, to those who come to them. The Name of
the Lord is a very strong tower. The sting of reproach is
the truth of it. Self-evident Truth requires no proof. The
sun can be seen by nothing but his own light. You cannot
BE LOST ON A STRAIGHT ROAD.
world peace in the atomic age is a talk given by the
Master at the Ninth General Session of UNESCO, held in
New Delhi in 1956. The Master spoke at Sapru Hall on
December 9, sponsored by The Society for the Uplift of
Mankind. The talk was published in Sat Sandesh in May
1970.
World Peace in the Atomic Age
Mr. President, Delegates, Leaders, and Friends:
IT is A happy event to meet the distinguished delegates
and members of the different countries of the world who
have come to discuss plans and demonstrate universal
brotherhood in action, in the spirit of peace and loving
kindness for all the world. I have love for God and for all
humanity. Fully knowing that men and women of high at-
tainments are present here, I venture to speak to you
frankly what strikes my mind on the subject which is a
main objective before us: namely, Peace of the World.
Man does not live by bread alone. He has to live on the
bread of life. He is a conscious being and has to know
himself to live on God consciousness. Man is a conscious
entity which expresses itself through mind and physical
body. Unless he is liberated from bondage of mind and
matter, he cannot have knowledge of self and of God. If
his mind is turned to the physical body and its needs, he
becomes earthly. The inevitable result is jealousies and
strifes. But if it is directed toward soul, he becomes spirit-
ual; the result will be love and peace. The preamble to the
UNESCO Constitution says that since war began in the
minds of men, it is in the minds of men that defenses of
peace must be constructed. All Masters who came in the
past turned man's attention to the purification of the heart.
If we want to change the ouside, we should change our
150 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
hearts first, because out of the abundance of the heart a
man speaks. What does it avail one to wash himself out-
side if deceitfulness is in his heart? Purity in thought,
word, and deed is what is required. The world is awaken-
ing to this truth, as is apparent from the fact that religious
conferences and such organizations as this one are coming
into existence for the purpose of helping mankind uplift
himself, but violence and hatred still dominate the world
and the doctrine of inequality of men and races is preached
and practiced. Some like to dominate over others and ex-
act and squeeze from others all that they can, and give
little or nothing in return. All this has, as it were, formed
habits that have entered into our nature. How can we
change our mind and turn it to a higher purpose? Mind,
like fire, is a good servant, but a bad master. Guru Nanak
said, "Victory over the mind is victory over the world."
Let us consider how we can conquer our mind and
change our hearts. Man is composed of body, mind (intel-
lect) and soul. We have to develop all around. We have
sufficiently developed physically, socially and politically.
We have made wonderful inventions, such as telephones,
telegraphy, radios, televisions, airplanes, rockets, atom
bombs, etc., but both physical body and intellect depend
on the soul within, about which we know little or nothing.
"What does it profit a man if he gains the possessions of
the whole world and loses his own soul?" As we have not
known ourselves, all advancements we have made on the
physical and intellectual plane are going against us. In a
European conference of scientists held recently, the Presi-
dent of the conference said that we have gained control
over the forces of Nature before knowing our own selves.
WORLD PEACE IN THE ATOMIC AGE 151
That is why various inventions are going to help in the
destruction of mankind. Had we known ourselves before
we got control over the forces of nature, all these inven-
tions would have gone to help in our uplift. All Masters in
the olden times, namely, Buddha, Nanak, Christ, Prophet
Mohammed, exhort us to "know thyself." For knowing
ourselves we have to rise above the body consciousness by
practical self-analysis. The scriptures say, "Learn to die
so that you may begin to live." Christ said, "Except ye be
born again, you cannot enter the kingdom of God." Nico-
demus was a very learned man. He came up to Christ and
said to Him, "Master, how can a man be born when he is
old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb
and be born?" You will see intellectual people fail very
badly when the practical side is concerned. Christ replied,
"Art thou a master of Israel and knowest not these
things? Don't you know that flesh is born of flesh and
spirit of spirit?" To be born anew is to rise above the
body-consciousness by practical self-analysis so that one
may know himself and the Overself which is called by so
many names. Kabir says the same thing, "Learn to die a
hundred times a day, not once." You must know how to
rise above the body consciousness so as to know who you
are or what you are. Intellectually we know so much about
it, but practically we know little or nothing. It is a matter
of rising above the body consciousness and opening the
inner eye or the single eye to see the Light of God by
practical self-analysis, which we have forgotten. It is an
old, old science.
All Masters who came in the past were fully conver-
sant with these facts but unfortunately we have forgotten
152 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
them. Can we rise above the body consciousness? Can
we leave the body and then come back? These are the
teachings given by almost all the Masters whether they
came in one country or in the other. Maulana Rumi said,
"My dear friends, learn to die so that you may have ever-
lasting life." So this is not a new thing, but an old, old
thing which we have forgotten. So the Master says: "Yes,
we can have this experience as surely as two and two
make four, very definitely, at the feet of a competent Mas-
ter, as King Janaka had at the feet of Ashtavakra in a very
short time." I need not dwell on this subject any longer.
Those who may be interested in solving the mystery of
life can refer to the pamphlet Man! Know Thyself, which
has been distributed to everyone here, for further informa-
tion.
To achieve this end, man must have an ethical or moral
life which is a stepping stone to spirituality. Christ said,
"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
Guru Nanak said, "Be pure that truth may be realized."
While pressing for the moral and intellectual solidarity
of mankind, we have not laid any stress on the spiritual
aspect of man which is the most vital but a sadly ignored
proposition. It is a cementing factor running throughout
all humanity without which all our attempts in the intellec-
tual and moral planes may succumb and collapse. On
my tour of England, Germany and the U.S.A. last year.
I was asked, "How can we avoid the danger of atomic
war?" I told the listeners that we can avoid this if we but
live up to what the scriptures say. We know so much
about the Sermon on the Mount, the Ten Commandments
and the Eight-fold Path of the Buddha, for preaching to
WORLD PEACE IN THE ATOMIC AGE 153
others, but we do not live up to what we preach. "Be the
doers of the Word and not hearers only — deceiving your
own selves." Reformers are wanted, not of others but of
themselves. Learn to live just as Yudishtra, one of the
five Pandos, did. It is said that the five Pandos were placed
under the tuition of a teacher and the teacher gave them a
book which started, "Tell the truth, don't be angry," and
so on. Four of the brothers memorized the full booklet.
When the turn of Yudishtra, the other brother, came, he
said, "Well, Master, I have learned one sentence fully,
'to tell the truth'; and 'don't be angry,' I have learned only
half of that." The master was enraged. He said, "What
will I answer to the king?" In two or three months he'd
learned only one sentence and another only half. He began
to slap the boy — once, twice, thrice. Then he said, "Why
don't you tell the truth?" Yudishtra said, "I do tell the
truth that I have learned one sentence — to tell the truth —
and the other only half, not to get angry. And now I tell
you the truth that in the beginning I was not angry, but
when you went on slapping me, I got angry in my mind."
So unless we learn to live as Yudishtra did, there can be
no advancement in any phase of our life. Food which is
digested gives strength. If we put in practice what we have
learned, all danger of an atomic war will be avoided.
Now let us see what the scriptures say for our guidance.
We are all worshipers of the same power of God, called
by so many names. God made man, ensouled bodies. Our
soul is environed by mind and matter. God is all con-
sciousness. When we liberate ourselves from the bondage
of mind and matter we find we are conscious entities-
souls. We are, as it were, drops of the ocean of life. If
154 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
we know ourselves by analyzing ourselves from the physi-
cal body, we will meet the world from the level of the
soul. So we have got a very strong background to stand
on, viz., God-consciousness. But we have been living only
up to the "shalts" and don'ts." We shall do this and do
that or don't do this or don't do that, but really we have
no strong background to stand on. 'There is no Hindu,
no Mohammedan (I may add no Christian or any other)
by birth." That is what Guru Nanak said.
The Israelites came up to Christ and put to Him the
question, "Our king demands a tribute from us, what
should we do?" And He told them to bring Him a coin.
And when the coin was brought He asked whose inscrip-
tion was on it; when told it was Caesar's, He said, "Give
unto Caesar what is Caesar's. Your souls are of God,
give unto God." All Master's viewpoints have been the
same. As man is a social being, social institutions of vari-
ous religions were made for the upTift of soul, so that it
may pass its earthly sojourn amicably and prove to be
helping to all humanity, as well as to aid one to know
himself and know the Overself — God. God cannot be
known by intellect, the outgoing faculties, or prana. It is
only the soul that can know God — that is why all Masters
who came in the past enjoined "know thyself." They
further gave two most important commandments: (1) Love
thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all
thy strength, and (2) Love thy neighbor as thyself. For
God resides in all hearts.
We are all conscious entities being of the same essence
as that of God. There is one underlying unity — as such
we are brothers and sisters in the true sense of the word
WORLD PEACE IN THE ATOMIC AGE 155
and form the universal brotherhood which can be ce-
mented if the much needed inner unity is realized. Now
we know all things intellectually. As we have not known
ourselves, our inner eye is not all pervading. When your
inner eye, single eye, or latent eye is opened then only
you will see the same light of God working throughout
all. You will have true love for all and true regard for all
scriptures left by the past Masters. All scriptures say that
God resides in all creation and is immanent in every form.
Guru Nanak said, "We live and have our being in God.
We should treat everyone as our own flesh and blood."
Prophet Mohammed said, "We are all members of the
same family of God." All other Saints said the same thing.
We should, therefore, love all — love of God and love of
all mankind are the two great fundamentals or main com-
mandments on which the work of all the Masters hang. If
we follow them in practice, there will be peace on earth;
the kingdom of God will come on earth — and there can
be left no danger of an atomic war.
There is one reality working in all. All mankind is one.
The differences are man-made — arisen out of self-aggran-
dizement due to ignorance of one's own self. It is said of
St. John that he was invited to a school. He came over
and was asked to give a talk. He stood up and said, "Boys,
love one another," and sat down. The secretary in charge
asked him, "Haven't you got anything more to say?" He
again got up and said, "Boys, love one another," and sat
down. Again the secretary asked him if he didn't have
anything more to say. The third time he got up and said,
"Boys, love one another. Love and all things shall be
added unto you." To achieve this end man must be ethi-
156 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
cal or moral. This is the gist of the teachings of all the
Masters, whom we have with us. Naturally whoever loves
God will love all.
Without love no lasting peace can be maintained in the
world and without the spiritual aspect of man being real-
ized you cannot have true love. God is love and our soul
being of the same essence as that of God, love is innately
enshrined in us. Shamas Tabrez, a Mohammedan, said,
"If you perform outer rituals and ceremonies of worship
for a hundred years, you cannot be true worshipers. If
by doing these you have not developed love for Him, you
cannot be aware of the mystery of God."
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, said
the same truth, "Hear ye all, I am telling you the truth —
those who love, they get to God." The Bible also says the
same thing. "Those who do not love cannot know God."
All others spoke in the same terms. A lover of God will
be a lover of all Masters who came in the past, a lover of
all holy scriptures, all holy places and a worshiper of all
places of pilgrimage. A lover of God will never think of
molesting anyone in thought, word or deed. He will be:
1 ) A true ahimsa, which is the highest of all Dharmas.
2) He will live a life of truthfulness.
3) He will hold a high character.
4) He will have love for all — hatred for none.
5 ) He will lead a life of selfless service for the uplift of
all humanity.
These are the five pillars on which mansions of peace can
be built. These five pillars are cemented by developing
the spiritual contact within. He looks to the whole world
WORLD PEACE IN THE ATOMIC AGE 157
as the house of God and the various countries as so many
rooms therein.
The governments are raised as custodians for the good
of the people. They are doing their best to restore peace
and order in various ways in the world. The United Na-
tions was also formed to secure this end.
The governments can control the bodies of men, but
cannot do man-making — until the hearts and minds
change, the world situation cannot change. Change must
come from within. As I told you already, "Out of the
abundance of his heart a man speaks." The very words he
utters are charged with love. Whatever comes from the
heart, that goes to the hearts of the people. This is the sole
work of really spiritual men and not sectarian, who are
to do this job, without which no government can be fully
successful. Paid preaching. I am forced to mention this
thing, because it has done more harm to humanity than the
helping of it. Paid preaching carried on by professional
and narrow-minded preachers has made matters worse in
all religions. They, instead of uniting mankind, have as-
sisted in separating man from man. Look to the olden
days. Four phases of life were prescribed for man. The
first twenty-five years of age were spent to learn all the
scriptures and other knowledge. After that twenty-five
years to attend to household affairs. After that, a man had
to go into seclusion for about twenty-five years in order to
realize his own self and to realize God. When he had
realized himself and God, he was to go around from place
to place for preaching to all mankind selfiessly. Such
persons were called sanyasins who were required to preach.
All Masters enjoin us to love God and to love all humanity
158 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
with all our soul, with all our heart, and with all our
strength. Masters who came in the past told us to go by
the scriptures. How many of us should do this? At least
those who are awakened to this truth should do that. Let
them start from themselves. God wants reformers, as I
told you before, not of others but of themselves. So many
people sitting here, say six hundred to seven hundred, if
we just start doing that — there will be a change. Those
who come in contact with you, they will also change. So
you see it requires a very rational way of preaching by
those who have universal love, who follow the true import
of the holy scriptures which are fortunately with us today.
Had we come, say a hundred years before or four hun-
dred years before we would not have the scriptures or ex-
periences of those who came within these periods, viz.,
Ramakrishna and others. Had we come before five hun-
dred years we would not have the scriptures of the Sikh
Gurus, which are a voluminous treasure of divinity. Had
we come another fourteen or fifteen hundred years back,
we would not have the holy Koran with us. Further, go
back to two thousand years, if we happened to have come
before that, we would not have even the Bible. Twenty-
five hundred years back had you come you would not have
even the scriptures of Buddha and Mahavira. So we are
fortunate these days in the twentieth century that all those
who came in the past with fine records of their personal
experiences which they had with the self and with the
Overself are with us today. We can be benefited therefrom,
but unless we know the true import of the scriptures, un-
derstand the one underlying principle therein, and live up
to them, we are nowhere. What do they say? They advise
WORLD PEACE IN THE ATOMIC AGE 159
us to have a robust physical life, to have an ideal moral
life and to know our own self and to know God.
There are two kinds of knowledge, one is called Apara
Vidya and the other is called Para Vidya. Apara Vidya
consists of reading scriptures and performance of rituals
and other ceremonies, giving alms, etc.; these are the ele-
mentary stages required for paving the road to spirituality.
The main purpose underlying this is to create in us an in-
terest in knowing self and knowing God and also in leading
an ethical life, which is the stepping stone to spirituality.
For that, naturally, we have to seek the guidance of some-
one who has realized that spiritual life. The main draw-
back is that we do not know what we are and where we
stand. Our soul is under bondage of mind and matter. If
you learn practically how to analyze yourself and rise
above the body consciousness, you will see that you are
not the body, nor the intellect, nor the outgoing faculties.
We know so many things but only intellectually. Is it possi-
ble to know one's self and know God? As I told you be-
fore, yes, it is possible by following Para Vidya, the
science of practical self-analysis in the natural way, which
can be followed by men of all ages. Unless you know who
you are and what you are, and what your relation is with
God and all creation, you cannot be fully at peace.
This is no matter of feelings, emotions or inferences
arrived at by intellectual wrestling, as they are all subject
to error. This is a matter of seeing, which is above all of
them and given out by all Masters who came in the past.
This applies to all irrespective of whether you belong to
one country or the other, or one religion or the other; that
makes no difference. Since man is a social being, social
160 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
institutions were formed just to enable him to lead a life
of high morality, of chastity, and of love for all mankind
and pass days of life in peace. To achieve this end, we
have to see the unity underlying all creation by knowing
our self and knowing God. We have wonderfully devel-
oped in the way of science but still with all the amenities
it has afforded us, we are still not happy. The true happi-
ness will come if you will know yourself.
We were talking of the governments, that they can con-
trol bodies but cannot make men. Making of men is the
job of really spiritual people. Look at the kings of old
like Dashratha, Ashoka and others; almost all of them had
in their courts really wide-awake seers of spiritual status
whom they consulted in all matters affecting humanity as
a whole and from whom they received substantial help in
carrying out the work of their states without having re-
course to the use of physical force. If similar guidance can
now be had, it would go a long way to secure peace in
the world. You will see that our success in achieving self-
government in India without a regular war was mainly due
to the wise counsel and guidance of Gandhiji which were
based on moral force with some spiritual background. All
of us owe respect to him. If you follow the principles as I
have told you, there will be peace on earth. It is not a new
thing. It is already there in the scriptures left by Masters
who came in the past. They all gave out the same thing.
But we know all this only intellectually. The only thing
required is to just put into practice what we know. In-
stead of preaching to others we should start preaching to
ourselves. Live up to what we say. There will be a very
definite change arising. It may be there is danger of war
WORLD PEACE IN THE ATOMIC AGE 161
overhead but if we at least know what we are and try to
live up to what is said above, that will not make matters
worse; that will help the majority of people. It is true
when the house is on fire, a well cannot be dug out then
and there. If we just start living up to what has been laid
before us, viz., love God, and as God resides in all hearts,
we should love all humanity and all creation, that will go
a long way to help us. In the Hindu scriptures, you will
find that they give milk to the serpents, Gugapir, as it is
called, because God is immanent in all forms. A question
was put to Christ as to how we should behave toward
others, and he said, "Love thy neighbor as thyself." When
he was asked what to do with the enemies, he said, "Love
thine enemies." The true spiritual man looks to the very
God in all hearts. He works from that level. Such people,
the more in number, will go to create more peace and love
for one another. So, with these words let me thank you all
for the patient hearing that you have given and take leave.
in remembrance of hazur was given on July 26, 1962,
in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Baba Sawan
Singh. It was originally issued as Circular 22, and was
published in Sat Sandesh in July 1970.
In Remembrance of Hazur
I take this opportunity to address all of you over the
microphone, and convey my best wishes and love for
your spiritual progress. The sublime message which you
have had the privilege to hear does not warrant more elu-
cidation, yet I wish to speak further on this auspicious
day — the Birth Anniversary of my Beloved Master Hazur
Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj.
The sacred forum of Ruhani Satsang was approved by
Hazur and under His explicit orders it came into existence
some fourteen years ago. It is through His Grace that the
Gospel of Truth and Love has been carried to all corners
of the world; and in practically all the countries of the
world, its branches have been set up, and people at large
have been blessed with the rare gift of Holy Naam — the
Word, or the Audible Life Stream.
Those who have had the good fortune to come under
the competent protection of the living Master have been
granted the sacred boon of Holy Initiation into the Mys-
teries of the Beyond, and are progressing on the way
back to God.
From the sacred literature which has been released and
published, you now have the sacred theory that is. so sim-
ple and easy, requiring no austere obligations; but the
practical aspect of the subject demands some attention,
namely: implicit obedience to the Holy Commandments,
164 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
embracing cardinal virtues, strict observance of the dietary
regulations, vigilance over the day to day deeds, cautious
approach to the thought pattern, and regular devotion of
time to the Holy Meditations in an accurate way. More-
over, all efforts helpful in the achievement of this sublime
goal are to be honored and assimilated.
The Holy Seed of Initiation is the check drawn in your
favor and implanted in the soul, fructifying rapidly, if the
aforesaid virtues are pursued vigorously. Just as a check
can be cashed at the counter, similarly the celestial mani-
festations of Divinity can be had at the eye focus, which
you can reach safely under the protective guidance of the
Living Master, and for which you have a passport in the
form of sacred charged Names. These Names carry the
Life Impulse and as such are potent enough to grant you
inversion on to the realm of bliss and harmony. Their ac-
curate use coupled with deep faith and implicit obedience,
bear much fruit. You should know it for certain that the
Gracious Master Power is the constant and nearest com-
panion of the child disciple, and anytime one turns his/her
face toward Him, all gracious help and guidance flow in
abundance. Just as a poor man who calls at the door of a
rich person, everyday faithfully, is sure to be blessed with
alms, similarly that Emperor of Emperors is waiting pa-
tiently for you all within, to greet you and escort you on
to the True Home of your Father. He is more eager than
you and the sweet heavenly melodies invite you to ac-
company Him within for sharing the utter bliss and divine
intoxication.
This is a subject of the heart and not of the head.
Reasoning is the help and reasoning the bar. When you
IN REMEMBRANCE OF HAZUR 165
have arrived at certain conclusions and have been blessed
with the boon of right understanding that this present earth
life is a passing phase in the long journey of the soul from
the lower categories of creation up to its origin, then hie
onward lovingly and faithfully. Know for certain that you,
while here in this world, living amongst mortals, are com-
missioned with the divine blessing of proceeding back to
your True Home. Soul in its present state is so enmeshed
by the environment of mind and matter, that it is difficult
to talk of its proceeding Homeward for it has forgotten its
True Home. The holy meditations when undertaken ac-
curately and regularly bless you with the right understand-
ing of striving for the inner journey, and your conviction of
the sacred Truths is strengthened. Time factor is essential
and, as such, much patience and perseverance are required.
You sow a seed in the soil. Let it remain hidden with-
in the earth and construct a strong hedge around it and
strive for its regular watering and weeding in every possi-
ble way. To fall into sin is human but to remain therein is
devilish. Never mind about your past howsoever gloomy
or unhappy it has been because the Gracious Master
Power has blessed you with the climax of divine mercy
when you were privileged to be led to the Living Master
and accepted by Him. Let the waters of repentance wash
away the dross and impurity of heart, and strive for the
better mode of living by complete dedication of heart and
soul. The Light of God is ahead within and the Heavenly
melody is inviting you to let it escort you to His Holy Feet.
I recall a beautiful episode of my Master, Hazur Baba
Sawan Singh Ji, when during His lifetime, once, we were
celebrating His Birthday. Illuminating stanzas were com-
166 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
posed and sung in appreciation of Him and there was in-
vocation for His Gracious Mercy. He was impressed by
the devoted humility of the congregation and spoke with
emotion, "Look here, when you scale me with Lord Provi-
dence or Almighty I do not accept it. Let us for the sake of
argument take what you say to be true. Then if you adore
me like the Highest Saint gracing the earth and represent-
ing the Father, just keep my Commandments and you will
be benefitted and my mission will be successful." With the
same thought I repeat and exhort with firmness that I
count myself as His Humble Servant and call upon you
dear ones to be firmly and humbly devoted to your holy
meditations, thereby making your life sublime.
You should become a source of help and inspiration to
your less gifted brethren who may better their lots by fol-
lowing your example. Please note an ounce of practice is
better than tons of theory. The world is fed up with
preaching and child humanity is looking urgently for life
and light. You can be the harbingers of peace and pros-
perity by living a life as enjoined by the Master. One de-
veloped soul will be helpful for many others. Spirituality
cannot be taught, it must be caught like an infection which
is passed on to others who are receptive.
Satsang is the central theme of the sacred teachings and
I always impress upon the dear ones here and abroad not
to miss it, as it is during these precious moments when
you are near the fountainhead of bliss and immortality,
that you grasp the true import of the teachings and assim-
ilate the rare virtues of godliness, by sitting in the charged
atmosphere which is filled with His Loving Life-Impulses.
Satsang is the sacred arena where spiritual stalwarts are
IN REMEMBRANCE OF HAZUR 167
built. It is the pool of nectar which grants blissful God-
intoxication and all differences of caste, creed, or country
sink down to their lowest ebb. We are all brothers and
sisters in God and should attain this divine virtue of com-
mon brotherhood of man and Fatherhood of God. Love
one another faithfully and devotedly so that others may
know and see for themselves that you belong to the Liv-
ing Master. Remember, actions speak more clearly than
eloquent words spoken under emotional impulses. Just
live like a fragrant flower which blooms in a forest, and
fills the atmosphere with its rich fragrance. You should
know it for certain that you are the master of your des-
tiny which is full of higher potentialities. You are simply
to make exertion to change for the better, and firmly stick
to your resolutions. All else is to follow of itself, as the
Gracious Master Power is at your side to extend all feas-
ible help, grace and protection.
How to catch the Gracious Master Power is a question
which many of you would like to solve. It is so simple
yet hard to be assimilated all at once. It is the self which
stands in the way. You are not confined to body or its
limitations. You are not the intellect or mind, yet you
possess all these for some higher purpose. "Blessed are
the pure in heart for they shall see God." For that you are
to purify your body, mind, and intellect by redeeming
them from the dirt and dross of senses, while withdrawing
yourself temporarily during your meditations, by attuning
to the Holy Naam, which gradually will manifest to you in
all effulgence and glory. Just relax and still more com-
pletely relax and invoke His Mercy by complete surrender
and resignation to His Will and His Pleasure to grant and
168 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
bless you with whatever He deems fit. Please note that you
are not to guide but to follow. He who follows is escorted
and led to the Supreme. The cup which is under the chalice
is filled with the Divine Nectar. Hence the rare virtue of
reverential humility is an astounding asset for the child
disciple, who should always remain wide awake and con-
scious of the ever present grace being extended to him/her
in ever increasing measure. The Gracious Master Power
is ever with you. Nay it is the very enlivening principle
which is giving you life here and hereafter. Just catch
hold of it and follow it implicitly, eliminating your ego
and vanity, dropping them as outworn pieces of cloth.
Please do not strain but wait with patience and firmness.
Love knows service and sacrifice and is considered the
ennobling virtue for the assimilation of sacred teachings.
As said above, unless the polluted mind and intellect are
bereft of their sediment and dross, they fail to assimilate
the higher Truths. A vicious person shuns the Holy Com-
pany of the Saints whereas a person blessed with the boon
of humility rushes to the Master. The very physical body
is blessed when one sits in the Satsang. Such a person
knows how to still the body and mind by sweetly looking
into the lustrous eyes and forehead of the Master, or the
feeling of His auspicious presence. The heart is filled with
the pious virtues of receptivity, humility, piety, and chas-
tity. You learn the technique of invoking His Mercy by
humble prayer and supplication.
Service is considered an ornament to a beautiful person
that adorns and elevates his/her soul to become a clean
vessel for His Grace. Service of any type granted at the
Holy Feet of the Master is beneficial and should be cher-
IN REMEMBRANCE OF HAZUR 169
ished as whatever one does must bring its fruit, in accord-
ance with the Law of Karma. The secret of selfless service
is to deny the reward or recognition of any type and on
the contrary consider one's self as an humble instrument
in the Divine Hands which are the sustainers and protect-
ors of all. All credit goes to the Master, yet the media of
love are blessed with the superb divine intoxication which
is of supreme magnitude.
Remember:
The salt of life is selfless service;
The water of life is universal love;
The sweetness of life is loving devotion;
The fragrance of life is generosity;
The pivot of life is meditation;
The goal of life is self-realization.
Love God and all creation. Serve all. Give, Give and Give
all through life. Purify your minds, meditate and realize
God. This is all the Scriptures say in a nutshell.
god power, christ power, guru power was given at
St. James Episcopal Church, Houston, Texas, on December
25, 1963, during the Second World Tour. It has been re-
printed many times.
God Power, Christ Power, Guru Power
Dear friends: I have the great pleasure to address you
on the evening of this day which is considered most
sacred among the Christians. Today we are celebrating in
sweet remembrance the Christ who appeared at the pole
of Jesus.
Thousands of other men are born daily, in all countries,
in all towns, but not very many remember their births
and deaths; yet the lives of the Masters, so few in number,
can never be forgotten.
Christ was born as Jesus. Jesus was the human pole at
which the Christ Power manifested itself, and the Christ
Power never dies. Once that Power takes possession of us
under His care, He does not leave us. Christ said, "I am
with you always, even unto the end of the world."
When I came here on my last visit in 1955, people
asked me, "When is Christ returning?" I asked them, "Has
He ever left you?" I quoted to them those very words: "I
am with you always, even unto the end of the world." If
He has not left us, then where does the question of coming
back arise? The reason we ask these things is because,
perhaps, we have not gone far enough into the mystery
of Christ.
What was Christ? The God Power appears from time
to time at a human pole to guide the child humanity and
give it the Way back to God. The question is, who can
172 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
give us the Way back to God? No son of man can do it;
God alone can lead us to God or give us a contact with
Him. He has no equal — no brother, no father, no mother
— and that God resides in every heart.
Thus, have you ever considered who is the One who
points the Way back to God and who at times refers to
Himself as — "I and my Father are one"; "I am the Light";
"I am the way."
All Masters tell us that the incarnated Masters are all
Children of Light. They are all Sons of God, and whoever
follows them meets God, for he is given a contact with
God. Masters have been coming from time to time, and
to all outward intents and purposes, they appear to be men.
They were born the same way and their bodies are con-
structed the same way. What then is the difference be-
tween such a Personality and the average man? It is in
his being a conscious co-worker of the divine plan, for he
sees it is the Father working through him.
Jesus asked his disciples: "What say you that I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "Thou art the Son of the living
God." Jesus told Peter, "No earthly power has revealed
this to you, but my Father which is in heaven." Then
again a disciple said that it would suffice if Jesus would
show them the Father. What did Jesus reply? He grew in-
dignant and asked, "Have I been so long with you and yet
you never saw that it was the Father working through
me?" Then he went so far as to say, "Whoever has seen
me has seen the Father," and, "No one comes to the Fa-
ther except by me." These statements are paraphrased
from the Bible to make the purpose of them clear.
Christ is the God Power or so-called Guru Power, which
CHRIST POWER, GURU POWER 173
appeared as the son of man who was called Jesus. Dur-
ing a talk I gave last month at the Unity Temple in Los
Angeles, I expressed these thoughts and then asked the
minister for his opinion, which I wanted to hear — not be-
cause I was doubtful, but because men are evolving and
awakening to the truth.
He answered: "Who is Jesus Christ? God's Son, made
manifest to man to teach him and show him the Way and
the Truth and the Light. He came to show man how the
Father would live if He were a man. He was God in man."
Then he explained: "Jesus was the transcendent Incarna-
tion of God." And he continued: "What is the difference
between Jesus and the Christ? Christ existed long before
Jesus. Jesus is the born man who perfectly manifested the
Christ in himself, and Christ is the Divine Nature of this
Godman. Thus Christ, the Spiritual Human, existed long
before His earthly birth."
Do you comprehend? The Christ Power or God Power
or Guru Power is the same, and manifests itself at the
human pole to meet the demands of His children: those
who feel hungry for Him, those who feel thirsty for Him.
There is food for the hungry and water for the thirsty;
demand and supply is the law of nature, and where fire
burns, oxygen comes to help. When man has hunger for
God in his heart, God manifests Himself at some human
pole to guide the child humanity. "No man knows the
Father except the Son and he to whom the Son reveals
Him."
As I told you, this Christ Power existed ever since the
world began and has manifested itself from time to time
at the human pole of the various Masters. We can recog-
174 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
nize this fact through the study of comparative religions,
where we shall find the same teachings given by the Mas-
ters of all religions and the same assertions made by them.
Someone told me on my last visit that Christ is the
highest since he had said, "I and my Father are one."
"That's all right," I said, "but if other Masters also uttered
the same words, how would you consider them?" I then
quoted what other Masters had said, in their own lan-
guages, in their own times: Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru of
the Sikhs, said, "The Son and the Father are dyed in the
same color; the Father and the Son have taken up the
same business." The tenth Guru of the Sikhs said, "God
ordered me, 'Go — I make you my Son to guide the child
humanity.' " Many others as well said the same thing.
This is only to prove that Christ lived even before He en-
tered the sinless body of the mother. We have regard for
that perpetual Christ Power which existed before birth
and continues after it, and for the Sonship that is perpet-
ual. That Power lies in every heart and is revealed when
a human pole at which the Power is manifest meets us
and gives us a contact with God. No son of man, no hu-
man, can do it, except the manifested God Power in some
human pole.
When we meet them, these human poles are competent
to raise our souls from the bondage of mind and the out-
going faculties and to grant us contact within. Thus, we
have regard for all human poles which give that Christ
Power its birth from time to time. We are, then, fortunate
that we are gathered here on this blessed Christmas Day.
What is the purpose of the celebration of such birth-
days? The aim is to understand the teachings of the Mas-
CHRIST POWER GURU POWER 175
ters, to revive those teachings and see if we are following
them. Blessed are all Masters. We are proud of them; but
the question arises — are they proud of us? The true cele-
bration of a great man's birthday is to understand his
teachings and live up to them.
II
Christ said, "Because I live, you shall live also."
Christ was able to give everlasting life. He referred
to himself in our recorded scriptures as: "I am the Bread
of Life . . . this is the bread which cometh down from
heaven ... if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for-
ever." God is Light; God is Life; God is Love. What was
this Bread of Life that he gave?
In another instance, Jesus went to a well to have a drink
of water. He requested a Samaritan woman at the well,
who was carrying a pitcher of water on her head, to give
him some water to drink. Out of an inferiority complex,
she said, "You people have no dealings with us; why
then are you asking me for water?" Jesus answered, "If
you knew who was asking for water, you would have
asked for, and I would have given you, the living Water
of Life. This water which you carry quenches thirst for a
while, yet one is again thirsty; but whoever drinks of the
Water which I give, will never thirst."
Let us go a little further into it. Who was Christ?
(Blessed is the human pole at which Christ appears.)
He behaved like a man; he behaved also like God. He
behaved like an average man and his greatness lies in
this fact. In his grace, he behaved both ways — as a man
176 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
and as God. St. John describes Jesus as "The Word was
made flesh and dwelt among us."
What is "Word"? "Word" is definable as "the Word
which has made all the heavens." St. John said, "In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God." That is the cause of all Creation.
In the Psalms, we find, "Thy Word is settled in heaven."
This is what Jesus referred to as the Bread of Life which
is come from heaven.
What is that Word, and what is the outer manifesta-
tion of the Word which was personified and made flesh in
the human pole of Jesus? The Psalmist said, "The Word
is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Jesus
expressly said, "I am the Light of the World."
Do you follow now, how great he was? He was the
God Power manifested in the human pole, and He had
great regard for that human pole at which He was mani-
fested; but he always differentiated between the son of
man and the God-Father in him. This is no peculiar
distinction in the case of Christ, because all other Masters,
among them Guru Nanak and Kabir, expounded this same
truth in their own languages.
Because we are not aware of the teachings of the other
Masters, we think perhaps that the teaching of Jesus is
the only truth. Truth, however, is One. Truth is clothed
in Light. Truth is the Harmony — the Music of all har-
monies. The Sikh scriptures contain the same assertion,
"The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us," that I
quoted to you. They said that the Word was personified
in human form and guided the embodied souls and gave
them contact back to God. I have respect for all human
CHRIST POWER GURU POWER 177
poles at which that Christ Power dwells from time to time.
Ill
You will find very specific teachings from the Mas-
ters. They taught first of all that the highest aim of
a man's life is God first, and the world next. We live,
however, for the world first and God next, and we have
faith in God only insofar as we get worldly things from
Him. If sometimes for some reason or other we do not
receive those things, then our faith is broken.
Jesus said, "Except a man be born again he cannot see
the kingdom of God . . . The kingdom of God cometh
not with observation ... the kingdom of God is within
you." By observation is meant ways which are related to
the outgoing faculties. God is Spirit and we must pray to
God in Spirit alone. God does not reside in temples made
by man, but in the God-made temple of the human body.
Within that human body temple, Jesus said, "Because I
live, ye shall live also." He did not refer to the outer son
of man, that perceptible body, but to the Inner, which
gave Light and was the Way back to God through Love.
God made man after His own image. God is All Con-
sciousness and Light, and we are also Children of Light.
We are conscious entities, environed by mind and matter,
and we are kept in the body by the God Power controlling
us. So long as that Power is in the body, we are functioning
in it; when that Power is withdrawn, we have to leave it.
Similarly, that very Power is controlling the whole uni-
verse and when it is withdrawn, dissolution and grand
dissolution set in.
178 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
There is a Maker of this universe; it did not just come
about by itself. But the Maker Himself is unchangeable,
permanent, and the world created by Him, being made of
matter, is changing and impermanent.
I would say that the best way to celebrate Christmas
Day is to celebrate the lives of these great Lights daily
with every breath. We do not miss or forget the lessons
and the teachings they gave us, and we should live up to
them daily. We should see the same Christ Power in our-
selves. It is in everyone and it is to be developed through
the help given wherever it manifests — call it by any name
you like.
Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God could be had
only by entering within the human body or the true tem-
ple of God. (God is the controlling Power sustaining us
in the body.) The import of these teachings is that so
long as we are in the body, we are identified with the body
and outside things, causing us to forget our inner selves
and fall under a grand delusion. How can we be liberated
from this delusion?
The attention, which is the outward expression of our
soul, is diffused in the world through the outgoing facul-
ties. First we have to withdraw that attention within, and
then rise above body consciousness, above the senses.
Only then can we be extricated from the grand delusion
that we are the human body instead of being the Indweller
of the human body. Only then can we emerge from our
ignorance of some higher Power keeping us in the body.
What happens at the time of death? Life withdraws from
the extremities and rises to the back of the eyes and then
darkness appears. While living, you can learn how to rise
CHRIST POWER GURU POWER 179
above the senses, withdraw from the outside to the back of
the eyes, which is the seat of the soul in the body, and have
your Inner Eye opened. You can see the Light of God,
that Light of God which was personified and called Christ
Power, Guru Power, or Master Power.
Jesus told Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again,
he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus then said,
"Lord, I am an old man. How can I enter the womb of
the mother and be reborn?" Jesus replied, "Flesh is born
of the flesh and spirit of the Spirit."
Our first birth is in the human body; the second birth is
that of being born anew into the Beyond when we learn
to die while living. This birth is called the Birth in Christ,
Birth in the Guru Power, or Birth in the God Power. You
must live and die in the God Power. You must be born
in Christ, in the Guru Power or God Power. Simply wear-
ing the outer badges of certain schools of thought or per-
forming specific rites and rituals does not make you be
born in Christ. Such practices or beliefs may be the prepa-
ration of the ground for being born in Christ, but this birth
can be had only if you take up the cross daily. The human
body is the cross.
I was very happy to learn from the newspapers today
that Pope Paul is making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. We
know that Jerusalem is a place of pilgrimage for all Chris-
tians, and perhaps Pope Paul is the first man to go into
Jerusalem to revive that memory. I read that he will go
down to Jerusalem, take a wooden cross over his shoulders
and walk on the ground where Christ walked one day.
These things serve to remind us of the great Personalities
who came in the world to guide us. Only because Pro-
180 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
phet Mohammed was born in Mecca does each Muslim
yearn to perform his Hajj or pilgrimage to it. Similarly,
we have respect for the birthplaces of all other Masters as
reminders to us of their having come. We bow our heads
in respect to them and try to learn the lessons these Mas-
ters taught. Unfortunately, these tributes later became
conventional and stereotyped social functions, and we for-
get that the true way to celebrate any great man's life is to
understand what he was and taught, to derive the lesson
and try to live up to it.
Jesus clearly says that no man knows the Father except
the Son, and the one to whom the Son reveals Him. That
Son is the Light of God which exists forever. The Son-
ship continues. The sum of all that I have to convey to
you is that Christ lived as the man-body of Jesus, at whose
pole He appeared, and that He resides in every heart. Yet
He cannot be realized by mere feelings, by mere emotions,
by merely drawing inferences, or by intellectual wrestling
to arrive at a conclusion. It is a matter of seeing God —
Who He is. Christ said, "I am the Light of the World."
Can you see this Light? Jesus said, "The light of the body
is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body
shall be full of light."
How can the two eyes be single? This is a practical
question and one that can be answered practically, for
this occurs when the Inner Eye which is within each man
is opened. Even a blind man without eyes to see the physi-
cal has that single Eye; but it is closed. We can only see
Him, the God-in-action Power, which is the Light called
Christ, when we shut the doors of the temple of our body
and our eye becomes single. Our attention has become dif-
CHRIST POWER GURU POWER 181
fused upon the outside world through the bodily doors of
the two eyes, the two nostrils, the two ears, the mouth, the
excretory and genital organs, and it has identified itself
with them. We have to withdraw our attention from the
outside, enter into the laboratory of the human body which
is the true temple of God and rise to the back of the eyes,
where the seat of the soul is located in the body. There lies
the tenth door where the eyes become single and where
we find the Light of God. There we see the Christ in ex-
pression.
This is an example of what I mean by true celebration
through the understanding of the Personality of the Mas-
ter and his teachings and living up to them.
Jesus said that we must have the Bread of Life and the
Water of Life. That Bread of Life and Water of Life lie
in the actual contact with the God-into-expression Power
of Light and "music of the spheres." At any human pole
at which the God Power is made manifest, that manifested
God Power is competent to raise our souls — bound under
mind and outgoing faculties, and identified with them —
and open the Inner Eye to see the Light of God and open
the Inner Ear to hear the Voice of God. This is what is
meant by coming into contact with the God-into-expres-
sion Power of the Light and Sound Principle: that is, the
true Bread and Water of Life. Thus, any human pole at
which that God Power has manifested itself can give you
contact with the Bread and Water of Life.
This is referred to by Guru Nanak and the other Masters
who say that we are fortunate to have the human body,
and that the purpose of having it is to obtain the Bread of
Life and the Water of Life — the true Elixir of Life Ever-
182 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
lasting, for whoever drinks of it shall never die.
Remain in any religion you like; but for the Bread and
Water of Life, go to a Master who is the human pole of
the God Power or Christ Power, for no son of man can
give you everlasting Life. The greatness of the Master lies
not in his advising you how to say prayers or perform cer-
tain rites and rituals — any man can give lectures after a
little training — but in the fact that he is able to give you
a sitting in which your soul is first withdrawn from outside
and then raised above the senses; your Inner Eye is opened
and you see the Light of God, and your Inner Ear is
opened and you hear the Voice of God; and you testify
yourself that it is so.
Through the parallel study of religions you will find the
same truth imparted by almost all Masters, in their own
languages of course. In the Christian literature, you will
find that St. Paul says, "I die daily." Other Masters say:
Learn to die a hundred times a day. That death is the
withdrawal of the soul from the physical body and rising
above it into the Beyond — that is, into the Kingdom of
God where you are reborn. "'Marvel not that I say unto
you, ye must be born again."'
These are the teachings given by all Masters from time
to time. The difficulty in truly experiencing them, however,
lies in the way that our souls are under the command of
mind, and mind is under the command of the outgoing
faculties. We have abandoned ourselves to the pleasures
of the outside world so completely that we have identified
ourselves with them, and we remain awake on the out-
side but asleep from within. You must know that God
Power which is keeping us in the body and, if you are to
CHRIST POWER GURU POWER 183
find this Power, you have to invert and withdraw behind
the eyes and gaze into the dark expanse before you. When
you are able to see within that expanse, you will also see
the actual God Power everywhere.
Here is how we can find the Christ already within us.
First enter the laboratory of the human body, the true tem-
ple of God, then rise above it until we leave all else be-
hind and enter the Kingdom of God. There are so many
mansions in the House of our Father; the macrocosm is
in the microcosm of the human body, and consists of
physical, astral, causal, and supercausal planes; and be-
yond all these are the pure spiritual planes, the true Home
of our Father.
The first step thus starts when we rise and are reborn
above the Iron Curtain of this physical body. If anyone
can rise above by himself, blessed is he; but if not . . . con-
sider that even in outward occupations a person needs
someone proficient and expert in that particular line; how
much more is it necessary to have someone competent
where the world's philosophies and outward faculties do
not work! Do you not need someone to help you there?
You will decide this for yourselves.
In the true terminology of the Saints or Masters, a blind
man is defined, not as one who has no eyes on his face,
but as one whose Inner Eye is closed. Those who do not
see the Light of God are all, excuse me, blind. When they
come to a Master and he gives them a sitting, the Inner
Eye is opened and they see the Light of God. When they
return, they are men with the Inner Eye opened. Similarly,
before going to a Master, a man is deaf. When the Master
gives him a sitting, he begins to hear the Music of the
184 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Spheres and he becomes aware.
These are the gifts of God. The greatness of the Master
lies in his competency to give you the Bread and the Water
of Life and to help you to be reborn — to open the Inner
Eye to see the Light of God and to open the Inner Ear to
hear the Voice of God.
There were few such Personalities in the past, and even
now there are few; but the world is not without them. All
humanity are the children of these Masters. The same
God Power or Christ Power has worked ever since the
world began and continues for those children who are
hungry and seek the Truth. When that hunger and thirst
arises in anyone, God, who resides in every heart, makes
arrangements to bring him to wherever he can be duly
contacted with his own Self. Can any son of man do it?
No. Only the God manifested in him has that Power. Such
a person is called a Master.
"Blessed are ye who see things that the old prophets
and righteous men could not see; who hear things which
the old prophets and righteous men could not hear." These
are references in the scriptures that our eyes are sealed
and our ears are sealed, and that unless these seals are
broken we cannot see the Light of God and hear the Voice
of God.
Guru Nanak was asked, "God resides in every heart,
but who can see Him?" He answered, "Those eyes are
different and are other than the eyes of flesh and blood
which can see the Light of God."
Another Saint, Shamas Tabrez, said, "We must be able
to hear the Voice of God with our own ears."
The true definition of a Master is given by all Masters
CHRIST POWER GURU POWER 185
as "one who can make audible for you the Music of the
Spheres within, and who can remove the veil of darkness
you see when you close your eyes and reveal the Light of
God." Such a person is called a Master.
IV
A life of continence and control over the outgoing
senses is enjoined by all Masters as the qualification
that enables one to follow their teachings. Jesus said, in
the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the pure in heart
for they shall see God." All other Masters, or those who
have realized themselves, have said the same thing; for
God is One and Truth is One. If there are any differences
among us, they are all man-made and are due to our lack
of personal experience of the Truth. Christ and other Mas-
ters have grieved that, although they have seen, although
they bear testimony to it, yet the people have not believed
them. Masters see and then not only say, but are compe-
tent to give us an actual specific experience.
Purity of life is required. You will find that chastity is
life and sexuality is death. This body is born of corrupti-
ble seed and we are born into the Beyond by the incor-
ruptible seed. We should examine these scriptural refer-
ences to find their truth. The human body is the highest
in all creation and blessed are we that we have it. The
highest aim before us is to know God. God resides in us;
there is nothing that we need to introduce within from out-
side.
The various scriptures that we have with us contain a
fine record of the experiences of the Masters; yet we need
186 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
someone who has had this experience and is competent to
give it to us — tasting the Bread and drinking the Water of
Life — bringing them into existence. Guru Nanak said,
"Do not be deluded because you have taken one form of
religion or the other. You must follow the original inten-
tion of the teachings."
All religious teachings are based on the spiritual ex-
periences of the Masters who came from time to time, and
the right import or understanding of these experiences
can be had only from those who have had these same ex-
periences. We have due deference for all Masters who
came in the past, and great respect for all scriptures, for
they are worth tons of gold and emeralds; but we do need
someone who knows the Way and can open our Inner
Eye to see the Light of God.
The lives of Christ and all Masters are examples of put-
ting God first. The Kingdom of God is within you. You
cannot have it by observation; you can have it only by
learning to die while alive, for you enter the Kingdom of
God only when you are reborn. In the East they say you
have to be twice-born; but reborn or twice -born amounts
to the same thing. The first birth is in the physical body
and the second is into the Beyond. The Masters were
competent to give an experience of how to rise above
body consciousness, and gave the Gayatri Mantra, mean-
ing to rise above the physical, astral and causal bodies to
see the Light of the Sun already blazing within you.
As I said before, purity is a stepping stone to Him, and
so is Love of God. Misdirected love, called attachment, is
keeping us in the body and is the cause of our coming
again and again. We go where we are attached, for that
CHRIST POWER GURU POWER 187
is the nature of attachment. True love, called Charity, is
already engrained in our souls and, when directed towards
God, is truly Loving. God is Love, and our soul is Love
personified, and the Way back to God is also through
Love. All Masters say: Love God with all thy heart, with
all thy strength, and love thy neighbor and all creation.
On the wings of Love we can fly to heaven — if our lives
are chaste.
It is recorded of Christ that he was chaste-born, sin-
less born. Similarly, in the East, the Masters were the
embodiment of chastity and pure lives.
Married life is no bar to spirituality, if conducted ac-
cording to the scriptures. It means taking a companion in
life who will be with you in this earthly sojourn through
weal and woe; the husband and wife should help each oth-
er to know God and to fulfill the highest aim of man's life.
One duty may be that of begetting children; but bear in
mind, it is not 100 per cent of our duties. The scriptures
say that husbands should love their wives as Christ loved
the church.
In the lives of all Masters, we find two great things:
they have contact with God, and they are the mouthpieces
of God. They speak as inspired from God rather than
from the level of the intellect, feelings, emotions, or by
drawing inferences. They see and say and ask you to be-
come. They say: Be still, physically and intellectually, and
know that you are God.
We have great respect for all Masters, all sons of men
or human poles at which that God Power, Guru Power or
Christ Power worked, and continues to work, to guide
child humanity. We are blessed.
188 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
I wish you Happy Christmas, but in the way that I have
advocated to be the true celebration of Christmas Day.
Understand who the Masters were, their teachings of how
to learn to die, how to be reborn, how to open the Inner
Eye and see the Light of God. Christ was the Light and
the Way.
I have had the great pleasure to present to you for
consideration this Christmas Night, truths which I have
come to know through experience and by study of com-
parative religion.
As I said previously, remain in any religion you like.
Unless you sit at the feet of some human pole at which
the God Power has manifested itself, the purpose of your
joining various schools of thought has not been served —
because you want to see God.
The Masters do not destroy any religion or introduce
new ones. When they come, it is for the whole world.
They consider all humans alike and want us to unravel
this mystery of the human body. Great is man. He lives in
this body in which God controls him; and within the
microcosm of it, exists the macrocosm. We know so much
about the outer subjects but, for want of practical people,
we know little or nothing about ourselves, and the great
boon, the great blessing that we have in the form of the
human body — the Golden Opportunity.
Blessed are you. Remain in whatever religion you are,
there is no need to change it; but be true to it. And being
true to your own religion is, to the best of my knowledge
of the scriptures, to sit at the feet of someone who knows
the Way.
the essence of religion is the Presidential Address,
given by Sant Kirpal Singh Ji in his capacity as President
of the World Fellowship of Religions, on February 26,
1965, at the Third World Religions Conference in New
Delhi. It has appeared in many different forms, and was
published in Sat Sandesh in May 1971.
The Essence of Religion
My own self in the form of ladies and gentlemen:
We have once again gathered together in the historic
town of Delhi. This time the Conference of the
World Fellowship of Religions, the third of its kind, is be-
ing held at a place known as Ramlila Grounds — grounds
made hallowed, year after year, by the performance of
scenes from the life-story of Lord Rama, who in the an-
cient epic age symbolized in him the highest culture of
Aryavarta, the land of the Aryans. He is worshiped even
now as ever before as an ideal in the different phases of
life — an ideal son, an ideal brother, an ideal husband and
an ideal king, and significantly enough, his life portrays
above all the eternal struggle that is going on between
virtue and vice, both in the mind of man and in the world
around him, leading to ultimate triumph of good over evil.
The idea of World Fellowship of Religions, as you all
know, is not a new one. We have had instances of it in the
past when enlightened kings like Kharwal, Ashoka, Sa-
mudra Gupta, Harsha Verdna, Akbar and Jehangir held
such conferences, each in his own way, to understand the
viewpoint of various religions prevailing at the time, and
invited the learned men of the realm to translate the
scriptures of various religions in the current language of the
people. In the present era, the idea was revived when in
1893 a Parliament of Religions was held at Chicago. The
192 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
present forum was thought of by Muni Sushil Kumar Ji,
who conceived the idea of instituting a World Fellowship
of Religions under whose auspices international confer-
ences could be held and sustained work could be under-
taken for promoting mutual respect and understanding
of various religions. Our first Conference was held in Nov-
ember 1957, in the Diwan-i-Aam, the Hall of Public Audi-
ence in the Red Fort. About three years later, in February
1960, Calcutta became the venue for its deliberations. I
am glad that the Fellowship has, during this interval,
grown from strength to strength. It is encouraging to see
all the delegates that have assembled from the four corners
of the earth, representing countless shades of religious
thought and opinion, but united in one common endeavor
to find out the essential and basic unity of all religions,
the common meeting ground where all faiths are one. In
short, we are in search of the Grand Truth of Life, the
bedrock of all existence, no matter at what level.
All the religions agree that Life, Light and Love are the
three phases of the Supreme Source of all that exists. These
essential attributes of the divinity that is one, though des-
ignated differently by the prophets and peoples of the
world, are also wrought in the very pattern of every senti-
ent being. It is in this vast ocean of Love, Light and Life
that we live, have our very being and move about and yet,
strange as it may seem, like the proverbial fish in water,
we do not know this truth and much less practice it in our
daily life; and hence the endless fear, helplessness and
misery that we see around us in the world, in spite of all
our laudable efforts and sincere strivings to get rid of them.
Love is the only touchstone wherewith we can measure
^ 7
>>
K.
overleaf, above, right: Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji
Mahuraj at an impromptu Satsang on the roadside between
Delhi and Agra, August 1969.
LEFT: Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji giving darshan at the
Shed at Sawan Ashram, Delhi, 1967. above: In front of
the house at Rajpur, July 1974.
left: On the Rock at Sant Bani Ashram, New Hampshire,
October 1963. above: The porch at Sawan Ashram, Au-
gust 1969.
THE ESSENCE OF RELIGION 193
our understanding of the twin principles of Life and Light
in us and how far we have traveled on the path of self-
knowledge and God-knowledge. God is love; the soul in
man is a spark of that love, and love again is the link be-
tween God and man on the one hand and man and God's
creation on the other. It is therefore said: He that loveth
not, knoweth not God; for God is love. Similarly, Guru
Gobind Singh says: Verily I say unto thee, that he whose
heart is bubbling over with love, he alone shall find God.
Love, in a nutshell, is the fulfillment of the Law of Life and
Light. All the prophets, all the religions and all the scrip-
tures hang on two commandments: Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest command-
ment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself. Questioned as to our attitude toward
our enemies, Christ said: Love thine enemies, bless them
that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for
them that despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye
may be the children of your Father in heaven. Be ye there-
fore perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
With the yardstick of love (the very essence of God's
character) with us, let us probe our hearts. Is our life an
efflorescence of God's love? Are we ready to serve one
another with love? Do we keep our hearts open to the
healthy influences coming from outside? Are we patient
and tolerant toward those who differ from us? Are our
minds coextensive with the creation of God and ready to
embrace the totality of His being? Do we bleed inwardly
at the sight of the downtrodden and the depressed? Do
we pray for the sick and suffering humanity? If we do not
194 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
do any of these things, we are yet far removed from God
and from religion, no matter how loud we may be in our
talk and pious in our platitudes and pompous in our procla-
mations. With all our inner craving for peace, we have
failed and failed hopelessly to serve the cause of God's
peace on earth. Ends and means are interlocked and can-
not be separated from each other. We cannot have peace
so long as we try to achieve it with war-like means and
with the weapons of destruction and extinction. With the
germs of hatred in our hearts, racial and color bars rank-
ling within us, thoughts of political domination and eco-
nomic exploitation surging in our bloodstream, we are
working for wrecking the social structure which we have
so strenuously built and not for peace, unless it be peace of
the grave; but certainly not for a living peace born of
mutual love and respect, trust and concord, that may go
to ameliorate mankind and transform this earth into a
paradise for which we so fervently pray and preach from
pulpits and platforms and yet, as we proceed, it recedes
away into the distant horizon.
Where then lies the remedy? Is the disease past all cure?
No, it is not so. "Life and Light of God" are still there to
help and guide us in the wilderness. We see this wilderness
around us because we are bewildered in the heart of our
hearts and do not see things in their proper perspective.
This vast outer world is nothing but a reflex of our own
little world within us. The seeds of discord and disharmony
in the soil of our mind bear fruit in and around us and do
so in abundance. We are what we think and see the world
with the smoke-colored glasses that we choose to put on.
It is a proof positive of one thing only: that we have so
THE ESSENCE OF RELIGION 195
far not known the "Life and Light of God" and much less
realized "God in man." We are off center in the game of
life. We are playing it at the circumference only and never
have a dip in the deepest waters of life at the center. This
is why we constantly find ourselves caught in the vortex of
the swirling waters on the surface. The life at the circum-
ference of our being is, in fact, not different from the life
at the center of our being. The two are, in fact, not un-
identical, yet when one is divorced from the other, they
look dissimilar. Hence the strange paradox: the physical
life though a manifestation of God is full of toil and tur-
moil, storm and stress, dissipation and disruption. In our
enthusiasm and zest for outer life on the plane of the
senses, we have strayed too far away from our center, nay,
we have altogether lost sight of it; and worse still, have cut
the very moorings of our barque and no wonder then we
find ourselves tossing helplessly on the sea of life. Rudder-
less and without a compass to guide our course, we are
unwittingly a prey to chance winds and waters and cannot
see the shoals, the sandbanks and the submerged rocks
with which our way is strewn. In this frightful plight, we
are drifting along the onrushing current of life — Where?
We know not.
This world, after all, is not and cannot be so bad as we
take it to be. It is a manifestation of the Life Principle of
the Creator and is being sustained by His Light. His Love
is at the bottom of all this. The world with its various reli-
gions is made for us and we are to benefit from them. One
cannot learn swimming on dry land. All that we have to
do is to correctly learn and understand the basic live truths
as are embodied in our scriptures, and practice them care-
196 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
fully under the guidance of some theocentric saint. These
scriptures came into being by God-inspired prophets, and
as such, some God-intoxicated person or a God-man can
give us a proper interpretation of them, initiate us into
their right import by reconciling the seeming discrepancies
in thought and finally help us inwardly on the God-path.
Without such a practical guidance both without and with-
in we are trapped in the magic spell of forms and minds,
and cannot possibly reach at the esoteric truths lying under
a mass of verbiage of the bygone ages and now solidified
into fossils with the lapse of time into institutionalized
forms, formulae and formularies of the ruling class.
Every religion has of necessity a three-fold aspect: first,
the traditional, comprising myths and legends for the lay
brethren; second, the philosophical treatises based on reas-
on to satisfy the hunger of the intellectuals concerned more
with the why and wherefore of things than anything else,
with great stress on theory of the subject and emphasis on
ethical development which is so very necessary for spirit-
ual growth; and third, the esoteric part, the central core in
every religion, meant for the chosen few, the genuine seek-
ers after Truth. This last part deals with the mystic per-
sonal experiences of the founders of all religions and other
advanced souls. It is this part, called mysticism, the core
of all religions, that has to be sifted and enshrined in the
heart for practice and experience. These inner experiences
of all sages and seers from time immemorial are the same,
irrespective of the religio-social orders to which they be-
longed, and deal in the main with the Light and Life of
God — no matter at what level — and the methods and
means for achieving direct results are also similar. "Reli-
THE ESSENCE OF RELIGION 197
gious experience," says Plotinus, "lies in the finding of the
true home by the exile," meaning the pilgrim soul, to
whom the Kingdom of God is at present just a lost prov-
ince. Similarly, Henri Bergson, another great philosopher,
tells us, "The surest way to Truth is by perception, by
intuition, by reasoning to a certain point and then taking
a mortal leap."
These philosophers have said nothing new. They have
just repeated in their own way the time-honored ancient
truths regarding Para Vidya, the Knowledge of the Be-
yond, the references to which in terse and succint form
we find in all the scriptures of the world. For example,
in Christian theology we have:
1 ) Learn to die so that you may begin to live. And St.
Paul significantly adds: / die daily.
2) He that findeth his life shall lose it, and he that
loseth his life shall find it.
The holy prophet of Arabia speaks of Mautu Kibal Ant
Mautu, i.e., death before actual death. Dadu and other
saints likewise say, Learn to die while living, for in the
end, of course, everyone has to die.
Thus we have seen that "Life and Light of God" con-
stitute the only common ground at which all religions do
meet and if we could take hold of these saving lifelines,
we can become live centers of spirituality, no matter to
what religion we owe our allegiance for the fulfillment of
our social needs and the development of our moral well-
being. God made man and man in course of time made
religions as so many vehicles for his uplift according to
the prevailing conditions of the people. While riding in
198 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
these vehicles, our prime need is to raise our moral and
spiritual stature to such an extent as to come nearer to
God and this, it may be noted, is not merely a possibility
but as sure a mathematical certainty as two and two make
four, with of course proper guidance and help from some
adept well versed not only in theory but also in the prac-
tice of the Science of Soul. It is not a province of mere
philosophers or theologians or the intellectually great. I
take just two instances to illustrate my point. God, accord-
ing to all scriptures, is described as the "Father of lights,"
Nooran-ala-noor, Swayam jyoti sarup, all of which are
nothing but synonymous terms. But ask any religious
authority as to the connotation of these words and he
would say that these are only figurative terms without
any inner significance. Why? Because he has not actually
experienced in person His Light, uncreate and immortal,
self-effulgent and shadowless, which Moses, Zoroaster,
Buddha, Christ, Mohammed, Nanak, Kabir and others
of their kind actually witnessed and realized, and taught
those who came in contact with them to do likewise.
Again, like the practice of lighting candles (symbolic of
the inner light), there is another practice in churches and
temples of ringing the bell or bells and giving of Azaan
by Mouzan which has a much deeper inner significance
than is realized and surprisingly enough is taken to be just
a call to the faithful for prayer. Herein lies the great hiatus
between learning and wisdom, which are at poles asunder;
for this too is symbolic of the music of the soul, the
Audible Life Stream, the music of the spheres, the actual
life principle pulsating in all the creation.
Without taking any more of your time, I would like to
THE ESSENCE OF RELIGION 199
emphasize one thing: that all religions are profoundly
good, truly worthy of our love and respect. The object of
this Conference is not to found any new religion as we
have already enough of them, nor to evaluate the extant
religions we have with us. Again, we should shed the idea
of drawing up "One World Religion" for all religions,
like so many states, are, in spite of their variegated forms
and colors, but flowers in the garden of God and smell
sweet. The most pressing need of the time, therefore, is
to study our religious scriptures thoughtfully and to re-
claim our lost heritage. Everyone has in him, says a Saint,
a pearl of priceless value, but as he does not know how to
unearth it, he is going about with a beggar's bowl. It is a
practical subject and even to call it a religion of soul is a
misnomer, for soul has no religion whatsoever. We may,
if you like, call it the Science of Soul, for it is truly a sci-
ence, more scientific than all the known sciences of the
world, capable of yielding valuable and verifiable results,
quite precise and definite. By contacting the Light and
Life Principles, the primordial manifestations of God with-
in the laboratory of the man body (which all the scriptures
declare to be a veritable temple of God), we can virtually
draw upon the "bread and water of life," rise into Cosmic
Awareness and gain immortality. This is the be-all and
end-all of all religions, and embedded as we all are in the
one Divinity, we ought to represent the noble truth of the
Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. It is the
living Word of the living God and has a great potential in
it. It has been rightly said: Man does not live by bread
alone but by the Word of God. And this Word of God is
an unwritten law and an unspoken language. He who, by
200 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
the power of the Word, finds himself, can never again lose
anything in the world. He who once grasps the human in
himself, understands all mankind. It is that knowledge
by knowing which everything else becomes known. This
is an immutable law of the Unchangeable Permanence and
is not designed by any human head. It is the Sruti of the
Vedas, the Naad or Udgit of the Upanishads, the Sraosha
of the Zend Avesta, the Holy Spirit of the Gospels, the lost
Word of the Masons, the Kalma of the Prophet Moham-
med, the Saut of the Sufis, the Shabd or Naam of the Sikh
scriptures, the Music of the Spheres and of all harmonies
of Plato and Pythagoras, and the Voice of the Silence of
the Theosophists. It can be contacted, grasped and com-
muned with by every sincere seeker after Truth, for the
good not only of himself but of the entire humanity, for
it acts as a sure safety valve against all dangers with which
mankind is threatened in this atomic age.
The only prerequisite for acquiring this spiritual treas-
ure in one's own soul is self-knowledge. This is why sages
and seers in all times and in all climes have in unmistak-
able terms laid emphasis on self-analysis. Their clarion
call to humanity has always been: Man — Know Thyself.
The Aryan thinkers in the hoary past called it A tarn Gian
or knowledge of the Atman or soul. The ancient Greeks
and Romans in turn gave to it the name of gnothi seauton
and nosce teipsum respectively. The Muslim divines called
it Khud-Shanasi, and Guru Nanak, Kabir and others
stressed the need for Apo Cheena or self-analysis, and de-
clared that so long as a man did not separate his soul from
body and mind, he lived only a superficial life of delu-
sion on the physical plane of existence. True knowledge
THE ESSENCE OF RELIGION 201
is undoubtedly an action of the soul and is perfect without
the senses. This then is the acme of all investigations
carried out by man since the first flicker of self-awakening
dawned in him.
This is the one truth I learned in my life, both in theory
and practice, from my Master, Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maha-
raj, and have today placed it before you, as I have al-
ready been doing before the peoples in the West and East
during my extensive tours all over, and have on exper-
ience found it of ready acceptance everywhere as a current
coin, for it is the sole panacea for all the ills of the world,
as well as ills of the flesh to which man is a natural heir
through the working of the inexorable law of action and
reaction — ye shall reap, as ye shall sow.
All of our religions are after all an expression of the
inner urge felt by man from time to time to find a way
out of the discord without into the halcyon calm of the
soul within. The light shineth in the darkness and the
darkness comprehendeth it not. But we are so constituted
by nature that we feel restless until we find a rest in the
Causeless Cause. If we live up to our scriptures and realize
the Light and Life of God within us, then surely, as day
follows the night, Love would reign supreme in the Uni-
verse and we will see nothing but the Unseen Hand of God
working everywhere.
We must then sit together as members of the One Great
Family of Man so that we may understand each other.
We are above everything else, one — from the level of God
as our Father, from the level of Man as His children, and
from the level of worshipers of the same Truth or Power
of God called by so many names. In this august assembly
202 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
of the spiritually awakened, we can learn the "Great Truth
of Oneness of Life" vibrating in the Universe. If we do
this, then surely this world with so many forms and colors
will appear a veritable handiwork of God and we shall
verily perceive the same life-impulse enlivening all of us.
As His own dear children embedded in Him, like so many
roses in His rose bed, let us join together in sweet remem-
brance of God and pray to Him for the well-being of the
world in this hour of imminent danger of annihilation
that stares us in the face. May God, in His infinite mercy,
save us all, whether we deserve it or not.
Before I sit down I heartily welcome you, my brothers
and sisters, and thank you warmly for your kindness and
sincerity in furthering such a noble mission that has
brought us together.
the fruit and its casing is the transcript of a tape re-
cording made at Sawan Ashram of a personal talk by the
Master to Mrs. Mildred Prendergast ("Millie"), his Rep-
resentative in Boston, on the eve of her departure from
India, February 15, 1966; and through her it was sent to
all Satsangis. It was issued as Circular 49, and published in
Sat Sandesh under the present title in October 1971 .
The Fruit and its Casing
Dear Millie: Now you are going back to your home,
worldly home. I would like you to convey my message
to my brothers and sisters over there. Tell them that God-
Power or the Master Power is always with the initiates,
and once that Power takes over the charge of any soul,
that Power never leaves him until the end of the world.
The work of the Master is just to take the soul to the lap
of Sat Purush, and from there the Sat Purush takes the
soul to the Absolute God in stages. They are fortunate,
over there, to have had such Master Power working over
their heads.
The criterion of a Master is that he should be able to
give firsthand experience of rising above body conscious-
ness. That is the only outer criterion that you can have.
And, if one can give some personal experience like that,
then I think that He can also be considered capable of
leading you further. Tell them all over there that they are
on my mind. If they remember me, the reaction is there,
I do remember them. It is the Master who first loves us —
our love for him is only reciprocal.
I wish them to lead a very righteous life, full of good
thoughts, good words and good deeds. Let these words
of wisdom reflect in their physical life, and not simply be
repeated by lips. The initiates should remember the Mas-
ter and actively live up to what he says. For that purpose,
206 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
the initiates have been given self-introspection diaries,
which they should maintain regularly and scrupulously.
By this means they will be, at least, remembering the
Master's enjoinders during the day. If they don't keep the
diaries, they will simply forget to act up to what they have
been told ... so this is one good of keeping a diary.
Moreover, when Master initiates someone, He resides with
him; He watches all of his actions, guides him further
where it is needed; especially those who turn their faces to
Him. If you do forget, He does not forget.
Recently I had a mind to go to Europe, but for some
reason or the other, I could not go. When the foreign tour
program is prepared, there is hope, God willing, to see
all of them over there personally.
One thing they might be told, one and all, is that this
Corporation* arrangement is only for management. Spir-
ituality cannot be incorporated. So this corporation is not
for organizing spirituality. For spirituality, all are directly
under me. For the purpose of management, those who are
in charge over there, including one and all, are there sim-
ply to see that management goes along all right. As re-
gards the rules and regulations that have already been
made, some people are under the impression that this
corporation is only a worldly corporation — which is not
correct. At the time of our Master, at first when there
were not very many initiates and when there were still
only a few groups operating, there was no need for any
corporation, and so there were no rules or provision for
management. But now there are many groups all over the
* This refers to the incorporating of Master's work in the U. S.,
which had taken place about a year before this talk was given.
THE FRUIT AND ITS CASING 207
world. About 71 centers are working in the United States
(east, west and south) and in Canada and South America.
Some formation is considered absolutely necessary for
management of and coordination of all of them. It may,
however, be mentioned that in the time of Hazur Maharaj
Baba Sawan Singh, there were some rules to go by in Beas
and at other places where Satsangs were carried on; al-
though the groups were not registered under the govern-
ment. Now, at Beas, there is a regular registered body to
carry on the work.
To those who are under the impression that this corpo-
ration is meant only for control and material gain, I would
say: No. I would think there is no control and no profit-
making as with other corporations. This corporation is
only to insure that the communications and temporal
affairs among the Satsangis go on quite amicably. And
about some other issues, I have already written to them.
For example, if there are any rules and regulations which
appear to be unworkable and harsh, I told them to just
put their heads together and simplify them as best they
can, so that there may be no difficulty in their operation.
I am not after hard and fast rules, but simply that all
should be able to sit together and cooperate together as
one body at one place; and others who, for one reason or
another, are not cooperating, should be induced to take
part, to join them. If there is any inclination to supply any-
thing — for example: circulars, books, and so forth — the
corporation is there for their convenience. Suppose I
should like to convey something to all of the brothers and
sisters there, I will convey it to one center, which will
convey such material to all of the members attending the
208 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Satsangs and also to those who are not attending the Sat-
sang. It may be mentioned here that all Representatives
and others who met at Washington and Chicago, on my
last tour there, decided to have a corporation, which later
on came into being. The corporation is only meant for
this purpose.
If there is a fruit, then to save the kernel we need some
casing. Even nature provides for that. If the casing is not
there, the fruit is spoiled. So, inner spiritual work remains
safe only if it is conducted with a little casing. The casing
is required only when we have to keep the pure inner
kernel in its natural state. If there is no casing, then the
fruit is spoiled in a day. Some have referred to my Master,
that when He was asked once He said that no corporation
was required. Well, at that time, there were only a few in-
itiates and as a consequence there was no need of it then.
If a small group of initiates makes a beginning and after a
while this small beginning expands into so many centers
all over the United States and everywhere, then there must
be some casing to insure that the activity goes along all
right. If then there is any complaint, such as the non-
supply of books, and so forth, it may be handled expedi-
tiously. For example, I have already suggested that books
should be printed in India and supplied from there in the
required quantity.
So naturally these people in the centers over there have
to carry on this work in a businesslike way. When these
centers are working under a corporation, they have to
abide by certain rules. Even here, I have a kind of corpo-
ration, duly registered under Government law. I have to
submit all accounts to the Registrar to be duly audited by
THE FRUIT AND ITS CASING 209
authorized auditors. So naturally we all have to keep ac-
counts. There is no growling here about their calling for
the current financial accounts and, for instance, how many
books we have sold or how the selling of books is man-
aged. Such questions are natural, you see. Such informa-
tion is only for management's sake.
So I tell them clearly that I love them from the very
core of my heart. How can a father or mother forget his
children? Can he? Never. The children might forget, might
go astray, but the father cannot forget the children. Even
the lost child is accepted, you see. So I have love for them
all.
One thing especially which 1 would like to convey to
them over there is that upon the spiritual health depends
the life of mind and body both. We develop physically
and intellectually; yet with all that, we are not happy and
we cannot be happy. We give food to the physical body
and we are physically strong; we give food to the intellect;
but what food are we giving as the Bread of Life to the
soul? The soul is a conscious entity. The Bread of Life or
the Water of Life can only be a conscious Thing, and That
is God. And where is God? God is the very Controlling
Power keeping us in the body. So we have to contact Him.
I will give you an instance from the Hindu parables of
how this is. Sometimes, you see, Masters give talks straight
— sometimes they give talks through parables. Parables
are more effective sometimes, you see. So with the Hindus
there is a parable which says that Lord Shiva was residing
at the top of a hill. And there was one Parvati who wanted
to marry him. Some other people there asked her, "Well,
what are you after?" She said, "I am only after marrying
210 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Shiva. Even if it may take millions of births, I must meet
him for he is the solace of my heart." So this is a parable
to illustrate some point. What does this parable mean?
The word Parvati means "one living on the mountain."
And what is that "one"? That one is our own self, our
soul. The seat of the soul is at the top of the mountain of
the body, just at the back of the eyes; and also located
there is the very Controlling Power, the true Husband of
our soul, God, waiting for her. So soul cannot find rest
until she finds the Oversoul. Ever since the soul has been
sent down to the world, she has not gone back to Him.
Otherwise, you would have been in another state of af-
fairs. Soul says, "I will try my utmost for years and years
— hundreds of years — and won't rest until I find Him." So
our soul is the same essence as that of God. Ever since it
has been sent to the world, it has not gone back so far.
So soul cannot find rest unless it meets the Oversoul : God.
This situation is what the parable is to show.
So we are all embodied souls. All religions concern our
bodies. Social and political affairs concern our bodies only.
And soul is concerned with God only. We may remain in
any society, in any religion, observing any outer forms or
rituals, or anything we have customarily followed, and we
can continue to follow them. But soul has now been identi-
fied with the body so much so that it has forgotten itself.
Unless the soul is analyzed and withdrawn from the body
and comes to its seat at the back of the eyes and gets some
self-awareness or self-knowledge, she cannot know the
Overself or have God-knowledge. So self-knowledge pre-
cedes God-knowledge. All Masters who came in the past
have given out as the prerequisite that we should know
THE FRUIT AND ITS CASING 211
our own self. We are conscious beings, not physical bodies.
We are wearing these bodies only. All of these outer re-
ligions are schools of thought in which we are joined to
know our Selves and to know God.
We have never been without Him. He has all along been
with us. We are living in Him just like a fish lives in the
water. The water is never away from the fish — the very
life of the fish is water. So our very life is God, the Con-
trolling Power which keeps us in the body. So, unless we
know our own self, we cannot taste the kernel within.
You may remain in any religion you like, because re-
ligions are only concerned with the outer forms — they
are the casing only, I would say. We are to dip into this
casing. We can taste the kernel by the only way that ex-
ists: by contacting the one in whom God is manifested.
God resides in every heart, but God is not manifested
in every man-body. That same God which is manifested
at the man-body of the Living Master resides in us, too;
but as we are identified with the body, we cannot get a
glimpse of Him unless we rise above body-consciousness.
The one in whom God is manifested has the competency
by virtue of the God in him to withdraw our souls from
outer concerns. The outgoing expression of the soul is
the attention, called surat. That surat is withdrawn from
the outside first. The man-body is the temple of God, into
which we have to enter first. We live in the body, and
Who we want is also living in the body, and is the Con-
trolling Power keeping us in the body. The one who has
got that control over his attention is truly Self -centered :
the whole body-machinery works at his beck and call. Such
a person, when he is met, has the competency or the pow-
212 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
er in him to enable us to withdraw from the outside and
enter the physical body, and to raise us into the Beyond.
That power is called the Master Power.
That power is also within us; just as the rays of the sun
don't burn us but, if we pass them through a convex lens,
they will burn anything at the focus on the other side of
the lens. In a similar manner, that very Power of the Mas-
ter is within us too, but our attention is dispersed outward
by being identified with the body and outside things. If
we withdraw that attention, and go within to the seat of
the soul in the body and become the mouthpiece of the
Controlling Power, God, we can work wonders. So that
soul which has manifested God has great power and has
become the mouthpiece of the Overself. Then what can
such a soul not do? God, with one Word of His, created
the whole world; and the soul, which is a drop of the
Ocean of All Consciousness, since we are of the same es-
sence as that of God, also has a great power. But that pow-
er is frittered away by going outside, by identifying with
the outside things.
So, with the grace of God, tell them over there that
they have been put on the Way. Some experience is given
to them at the time of Initiation, and they have to develop
spiritually by regular practice and with due regard to how
they pass their days, by self -introspection.
Consider the parable of the seed, given by Christ. The
seed was sown. Some seed fell on the road; some fell in
the thorny hedges; some fell on the rocks; and some seeds
fell on the quite clear land which had been divested of all
foreign matter. That seed which had fallen on the hard
open ground or the road is eaten away by the sparrows;
THE FRUIT AND ITS CASING 213
the seed that was thrown on the rocks grows but there is
no depth of soil beneath such seeds and, little by little,
such growth fades away; and naturally, those seeds which
fell in the thorny hedges will grow, but they cannot fully
grow — they are retarded; and any seed which fell in the
quite prepared land will grow abundantly. If you put one
seed in of anything, that will give you hundreds of seeds
like that. For instance, you put one mango in the ground,
and that will give a tree which will give you hundreds of
mangoes. So there is abundance in nature. This parable,
then, shows what? The "seed" is the contact with the Light
and Sound Principle, which is the expression of Word or
Naam in the hearts of the initiates. For those who sim-
ply take it, the negative powers use it up because they
never put in time for that, although they are given the
"seed" — the seed is sown in them — but as they do not
put in time at all, and they don't care, after Initiation the
seed is lost.
Concerning those seeds that fall on the rocks and be-
neath which there is little or no underlying soil, after Ini-
tiation that seed should be fed by Satsangs; for if those
seeds are not watered by Satsangs, you see, naturally they
fade away — they also don't grow — they come for a few
days, then leave it. So that is why I tell the people, "Leave
hundreds of urgent works to attend the Satsangs." Those
seeds that fell in the thorny hedges won't grow there en-
cumbered by the distracting thoughts and other kinds of
hedges; they are just like those who have too many irons
in the fire, they have no time to attend to these things;
they say they have no time. Such people also don't grow.
Only such a seed which has fallen in the quite prepared
214 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
land grows fruit in abundance. So you will find that the
purpose of this diary, which I always enjoin to be kept, is
to weed out all imperfections from the soil of the heart.
Those who keep the diary regularly, who put in time regu-
larly, naturally they progress. If they are not progressing
there is something wrong somewhere, which is explained
to you by just referring to this parable given by Christ.
However, they are all dear to the Master, I tell you.
Those who have got the seed are fortunate, for that seed
cannot be burned away. That seed must grow; and if they
have not put in any time in this physical life of the man-
body, naturally they will have to come back; but they
won't come back below the man-body — that is the only
concession they can have. Why not put in time, grow now,
and finish this returning? You come into contact with the
Light and Sound principle within, and by progressing,
you are intoxicated with that. That has more bliss in it.
We get more enchantment and more bliss inside and
naturally we are withdrawn from the outside things. Such
a soul can never return, and lives in and is kept in the
Beyond after the death of the physical body. Such souls
have to progress there too, but this takes a longer time as
compared with the time it takes in the physical body. So
it is always better to develop here, the more you can, the
most you can, so that you can straightway go to that high-
er plane to which you have developed here. So tell them
all that I wish them to progress. They have gotten, by the
grace of God, first-hand experience at the time of initia-
tion. If anything goes wrong, it is due to the result of
these things as I have explained.
So I wish to see them, God willing, sooner or later, and
THE FRUIT AND ITS CASING 215
I also wish them to be here with us whenever they can
afford it. These people sitting over here have great love
for them, their brothers and sisters over there. There is
a loving relationship between those who are initiated by
a competent Master, which is a permanent relationship,
never dissolved at the time of death; they meet even after
death. Our Master used to say, "When crossing a river,
those who have crossed first will meet, there on the other
side, those who come next. All others follow them sooner
or later." Between those who have been initiated, this is
the true relation that we have been given by the Master,
and this relation never ends. So they are fortunate.
Convey to them over there my love. No words can ex-
press love; love cannot be expressed in words. The love
of the mother can only be known by the child who is de-
voted internally. Even if the child is not turning his face
to the mother in his activities and playing and so forth,
even then the mother cares. What for? The child must be
fed, so she takes the food and forces him to eat it. Similar-
ly, it is just like my enjoining them, "Put in more time,
please." Develop physically and intellectually, but that is
not sufficient; you must develop spiritually also. For such
spiritual development, the Master always enjoins that
which results in most care for the child. So convince them
over there of my love for one and all. All are dear to me.
Though you are placed to carry on the work and are also
dear to me, the others are not less dear to me.
As I told you, this corporation — tell them again — I
think it has created some misunderstanding with a few
people there. This corporation is only for management;
by it no physical control or power is to be exercised over
216 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
the people over there — they are directly under me. For
example, once I went to Germany and there were some
initiates who complained to me that their Representative
would not permit them to talk with me directly. They
were crying like anything. So I went there and told them,
"Well, look here, you're with me, you are under me, the
Representative was put there only to help you."
You observe how those speaking on television can be
seen and heard over thousands of miles; so God-Power
is also pervading everywhere. That is the very Controlling
Power within this man-body keeping us in the body. Tell
them over there that a child cannot, I think, imagine how
much love the mother has for the child. Can he ever do so?
I don't think so. So even if they come to know some of my
love for them, perhaps they will dance in intoxication.
Convey my love to them as you are going there. They are
all dear to me. They must live up to what they have been
told from time to time. I am sending them messages, now
and then, only as reminders to live up to that. Our teach-
ings should reflect in our actions. We must be humble,
sweet. A sweet word doesn't cost anything. If we are all
laborers in the field of the Master, then where is the ego?
A little ego enters sometimes and that spoils the show. All
this little grumbling sometimes is the result of ego. "Love
and all things shall be added unto you."
So convey them my love, the best you can; although I
think that no words can express love. They should turn
their faces this way and I hope they will get radiation too.
You have been here, so dear to us. But as a person has
to go, after all, you go home with all my love and bless-
ings. Convey my love to your dear husband as well, he is
THE FRUIT AND ITS CASING 217
so good; so also to the followers who are working there;
and to all others. I do remember them and think that they
should live up to what they have been told and they will
progress, sure and certain. Thank you.
toward the new education is a talk given at the
official inauguration of the Manav Kendra Education
Scheme, June 21 1972, and was published in Sat Sandesh
in September 1972. Manav Kendra is the potentially self-
sufficient ideal community, dedicated to man-making, man
service and land service that Kirpal Singh established near
Dehra Dun in the foothills of the Himalayas, and the
school there (Manav Vidya Mandir or "Temple of Human
Knowledge") is one of its most important parts. For a de-
taied description of this school, which puts into practice
the ideals expressed by the Master in this talk, see Kent
Bicknell, "The School at Manav Kendra," Sat Sandesh.
June 1974.
Toward the New Education
Man has been regarded as the crown and glory of
this creation. "Not only is man at the origin of de-
velopment, not only is he its instrument and beneficiary,
but above all he must be regarded as its justification and
end." Man, as Lord Jesus told us, whom God made in His
own image, should prove a worthy recipient of His bless-
ings. But alas! the man of today has belied most of our
expectations. Increasingly, his vanity has led him to re-
gard himself as the center of the world, and made him
oblivious of his shortcomings. The education system which
could have remedied all ailments and promoted his all
round development has proved woefully inadequate. Some-
how a student of today is unable to get true knowledge,
which could have helped him to acquire the right under-
standing of life resulting in right thoughts, right speech
and right action. In fact, the real aim of education is to de-
velop the character and individuality of a pupil, his mind,
will and soul power. The best education is that which
teaches us that the end of knowledge is service.
This "service" is another name for love and fellowship,
which constitute the very essence of personal and social
life. Love and fellowship bring with them peace, gentle-
ness and humility, basic values of life whose significance
has been repeatedly stressed by the sages and prophets of
India and the world. To nurture these values, to practice
220 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
them, and to adopt them wholeheartedly in life, is what is
known as Spirituality. "Spirituality" is not a name of a few
religious dogmas. In fact, there is no room for dogmatic
assertion in spiritual life. Once Huen Tsang put a question
to Shil Bhadra, the head of the Nalanda University: "What
is Knowledge?" He replied, "My child, Knowledge is per-
ception of the principles or laws of life. And the best
principle of life is fellow-feeling — sharing with others what
you have." He says that those who cook food for them-
selves alone are thieves. Jesus once asked his disciples.
"What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world
and loses his own soul?" The voice in them which brought
forth the answer, "None, Jesus, none," was the voice of
Spirituality. The tenth Guru says, Those who put food in
the mouths of the poor and the needy, they put it in my
mouth.
This capacity to share is known as Spirituality, without
which all education is a sheer exercise in futility. As Gen-
tile, a great thinker, says, "A school without a spiritual
content is an absurdity." Modern education is largely ego-
centric and makes men spiritually and socially incompe-
tent; and they enter life with a view to gaining money on
earth and applause for their own personal enjoyment, for-
getting that true happiness begins only when one goes out
of one's little self — the ego — and seeks the larger Self.
The most important thing about education is its rela-
tion to life. "Knowledge without action is empty as a shad-
ow." "Education is not a withered parchment but the
Living Water of the Spirit." The school should be a home
of teachers and students who reflect in their studies, and on
the playground and in their daily lives, the cherished vir-
TOWARD THE NEW EDUCATION 221
tue of humility. Till our knowledge enables us to imbibe
the noble things of life, it has not served its purpose. Al-
Ghazali, a man of scholarship and meditation, says in his
book Child, "Know, my child, that knowledge without
action is insanity, and the noblest action is service."
The chief malady of current education is that it results
in the disassociation of heart and head. It lays emphasis
on the development of head, and does sharpen the intel-
lect to some extent. But more essential is the liberation
of the heart. That will be done when the reason is awak-
ened in sympathy for the poor, the weak and the needy.
Sacrifice grows out of the heart, so the heart is required
to be unfolded.
The young should : ( 1 ) strive after the ideal of sacri-
fice and not emotions; (2) be simple, for simplicity is
strength; (3) learn to cooperate with all, and not let dif-
ferences in creed or political opinions stand in the way of
solidarity; (4) accept the creative ideal, which regards
humanity as one and service as the end of all knowledge.
Teachers should train students in the spirit of sympathy
and love, blending information with inspiration and knowl-
edge with love. A man may pass university examinations
and yet remain ignorant of the realities of life. He may
have read a thousand books, yet be no better than a boor.
But true education will make him truly cultured; and the
soul of culture is courtesy. Scholarship may be proud;
culture is humble.
Paradoxically enough, culture and agriculture are sim-
ilar in many ways. The soul's Kshetra [field] must be cul-
tivated by disciplining desires and emotions. Who could
have put it better than Buddha who, while dilating on the
222 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
analogy, observed, "I plow and sow and grow, and from
my plowing and sowing, I reap immortal fruit. My field is
religion; the weeds I pick up are passions; my plow is
wisdom; my seed is purity." Our Rishis have prayed,
Tamso ma Jyotirgamaya ("Lead me from darkness to
light.")
But this darkness cannot be illumined in just a day.
Bricks, mortar, comforts and luxuries cannot give any
such training. It is the proper atmosphere which can de-
liver the goods; that is why emphasis in the school should
be on atmosphere more than on rules, textbooks and
buildings.
The tender heart of a child calls for very delicate hand-
ling. In fact, education begins even before birth and there-
fore better care must be bestowed upon every pregnant
mother. It is a constant association with gentle forces
which breeds virtuous persons. A child is the center of
creative life. It needs to be opened as a flower is opened,
gently, by sympathy, not by force. Do not let the child
be imprisoned in the examination machine; never let him
be snubbed and scolded.
The fruits of fellowship are four-fold. The first fruit is
Artha, which indicates the economic aspect of education.
The second is Dharma, which preaches reverence for law.
Kama provides for the freer and fuller growth of human
beings. The most important is, of course, the fourth fruit,
i.e. Moksha, the complete liberation. This is liberation
from our petty selves, which impels us to shed all our big-
otry, narrow-mindedness, and chauvinism. If education
does not enable us to raise ourselves from the levels of
our ordinary selves, our average minds to heights above
TOWARD THE NEW EDUCATION 223
our normal vision, it does not fulfill its very purpose. It is
a lamentable fact that present education, which should in-
sure an integrated growth of human personality, provides
a very incomplete and insufficient preparation for life.
In this process, the situation of the school also plays a
major role. The German word kindergarten is quite sug-
gestive in this context. Kinder means child, and garten
garden, indicating that every school should be situated in
a lovely spot of nature. In ancient India, every Ashram
was a garden of nature. The Manav Kendra is situated at
a healthy and picturesque spot in the Doon Valley, pre-
senting a glorious and tempting view of the snow-clad
peaks of the Himalayas. In the true tradition of Manav
Kendra — the Man Center — it belongs to all mankind for
creation of understanding, peace, and progress. The insti-
tution is dedicated to the concrete realization of human
unity and is projected as an entirely new concept of in-
tegral education and moral living according to the ethics
of spirituality. Human body is the true Temple of God.
God resides in the temple of the body made by Him in
the womb of the mother, and not in the temples made by
the hands of man. Without an inner change, man can no
longer cope with the all-round development of his life. To
accomplish this vital and indispensable task, the very na-
ture of education has to be transformed so that it can give
society young men and women who are not only intellec-
tually but emotionally trained for vigorous, realistic and
constructive leadership. We envisage such an atmosphere
where persons will be able to grow and develop integrally
without losing contact with their souls.
The aim is to make it a place where the needs of the
spirit and concern for human progress will take prece-
224 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
dence over material satisfactions, pleasures and enjoy-
ment. Certainly the education will have to be spiritually
oriented and given, not with a view to passing examina-
tions, getting certificates and diplomas, and seeking em-
ployment, but for enriching the existing moral, ethical and
other faculties and opening up new vistas and horizons
to fulfill the dream of Reality.
the spiritual revolution explained. This is a com-
posite title for four talks given by the Master on the occa-
sion of his birthday celebration in February 1973, at which
time he was presented with an Abhinandan Patra or letter
of praise signed by many of India's leaders; a large per-
centage of whom were present for the occasion and gave
enthusiastic talks supporting the Master and his mission.
A sample of these talks and a complete description of the
events, along with the four talks of the Master included
here, were published in Sat Sandesh, April 1973. The last
talk is a commentary on a discourse given in Florida dur-
ing the Third World Tour and published in Sat Sandesh
in March 1973, entitled "The Coming Spiritual Revolu-
tion" — hence the title.
The Spiritual Revolution Explained
1. ON THE BIRTHDAY EVE
The Master gave this talk during the Evening Satsang on
February 5.
Dear brothers and sisters, the things that you have
heard, to whom does the credit go for that? Christ
said, / am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth
in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without me ye can do nothing. This is the relationship
between the Guru and his disciple. The sikh or disciple is
he who is accepted as such by the Guru. It is none of the
disciple's doing; it is all my Master's work. He said to me,
"Look here, I have done this much, the rest you have to
do." I wept in anguish, "Master, how can I do it?" And
he said, "I am with you." So when the sikh merges his
identity in the Guru and becomes one with him, it is the
Guru's power that works, for it is his work. Hafiz says,
/ am rid of all fears for I am embedded in my true Friend,
my Master; he who has drowned himself in the Water of
Life, what fear has he of death?
Ramakrishna once showed Vivekananda a plate filled
with honey and said, "This is the sea of immortality and
you are a honey-bee. How will you eat it?" Vivekananda
replied, "I will start from the edges to save myself from
getting stuck in it." Ramakrishna retorted, "It is the sea
of immortality! Plunge headlong into it."
228 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
Who is he — the Guru? Gurbani says, He that is one
from beginning to end, He is my Guru. He in whom God
is manifest, that manifested God in man, we call by the
name of Guru. It means no one else but God is the Guru.
We also revere that human pole in which the Light of
God is manifest. We value the bulb because it transmits
the light. Guru is Light personified. The sikh or disciple
should become gurusikh first. How? By obeying him im-
plicitly, doing what the Guru asks him to do. This is the
first step. He should follow him literally, one hundred per
cent. // you love me, keep my commandments. That is the
criterion. But we do not do that; we modify his com-
mandments according to the dictates of our mind and
intellect. It is good and it is bad. It is something we
should thoroughly understand. It holds us in its thrall.
What does Maya literally mean? Ma means "to meas-
ure" and ya means "an instrument" — so it is an in-
strument of measurement. That is what our mind or in-
tellect is supposed to be. We have to understand it, to
make the best use of it. It is a question of right under-
standing. But the Guru-disciple relationship is something
above and beyond that. A Muslim Saint says, / am the
body, and you are the life that animates it; you become
me and 1 become you, so that people may not say that
you and I are different entities.
When such a relationship is established between the
Master and the disciple, then the Master does everything.
It all depends on the Master's acceptance of the disciple.
Perhaps I was a spendthrift. My Master Hazur Maharaj
Ji saw that this spendthrift would give away the wealth
freely to all and sundry. And that was what he wanted,
for his treasury of Naam is inexhaustible and will remain
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION 229
full forever. And that is why thousands are getting the
benefit of his munificence. It is not my wealth. That is why
I say that I am only a stalking horse. You must be under
an illusion, so much so that you do not believe me even
when I tell you that. But it is a fact nevertheless.
So whatever benefit you are getting, the credit is not
mine. Some years back during the Diamond Jubilee cele-
brations so many things were said about me. I said that
all the things that have been said here I have passed on to
him to whom the credit belongs. If a cashier has with him
a hundred thousand rupees deposited on his master's ac-
count, the money does not belong to him; he is only a ser-
vant getting a hundred rupees a month.
The Power (Guru Power, Christ Power, God Power,
call it what you may) never dies. It manifests itself time
and again on various human poles to guide the child hu-
manity. We respect all those who were commissioned by
God to bring his children back to the Home of the Father.
It is the Light of God that works in them. And what do
they say of their mission? / am come into this world, that
they which see not might see; and that they which see
might be made blind. [John 9:39]. When the attention is
diverted from outward gazing and is inverted within, only
then the inner vision is opened and one is able to see. The
commissioned ones who come are lighthouses; they are
the Light of God, which manifests from the human body.
They give out radiation and those who come within their
circle benefit from it. The credit goes to them.
So Hazur Maharaj said to me, "When I am with you,
you should have no fear." I can only say that it is all His
grace working, it is none of my doing. In the morning Sat-
sang today I said that when Godmen come they give the
230 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
clarion call, "Come ye all, return to your true home."
Christ said, / am going back to the House of my Father.
Other Masters also said the same thing in their own way.
So Masters come to take the children of God back to their
true Home. That is their mission. To whom does the cred-
it go? To Him Who sends them.
The commissioned ones who have come from time to
time have all referred to their mission and commission,
some directly, some in the third person. Kabir said, /
know the secrets of the Eternal Home and have been
commissioned by Him to do His work. Some (like Guru
Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh) said, "1 am His servant."
Some (like Christ and Mansur) said, "1 and my Father
are one." So a sikh or disciple should become a Gurusikh
[or Guru's man] first, and what is a Gurusikh? Gurbani
says, Verily the Guru is a true sikh and a true sikh is the
Guru, and both of them work to revive the same old old
teachings of the Masters. From a Gurusikh one should
become a Gurumukh or mouthpiece of the Guru. It is I,
not now I, it is Christ who lives in me. When he sees Him
working, he forgets who speaks. A Muslim Saint says,
When he speaks it is God speaking, though the voice seems
to come from a human throat.
So the fact is, all credit goes to Him. It is all His grace
working. I said in the morning session that the sun is
about to set. Take heed before it is too late. Those who
have had some capital to start with through the grace of
the Master should try to increase it. My Master Hazur
Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj used to say, "One who
has studied and become a graduate in his lifetime will re-
main a graduate even after death. But he who has re-
mained illiterate during his lifetime cannot hope to become
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION 231
a graduate after death." So wake up before it is too late.
You cannot depend on life.
What is a real birth? It is when one takes birth in the
House of the Guru. Guru Nanak was asked, "When did
you end your coming and going?" He said, "When I was
born in the House of the True Master I ended my coming
and going." One birth is this physical birth; the second is
beyond that. Learn to die so that you may begin to live.
This is the second birth, becoming twice born: You must
be reborn. The Masters who have the competence to give
you the second birth, they are Word made flesh. They
contact you with the Word or God-into-Expression Power.
Where does that take you? It will merge you into the
Wordless (Anami) from whence it came. This is the di-
rect way back to God. The Masters who put us on this
Way belong to all humanity. They are not the monopoly
of any particular sect or country; they come for all man-
kind. They are the Light of the World as long as they
are in the world. [John 9:5] We can derive full benefit
from their incarnation only when we become Gurusikh
and progress further to become Gurumukh or the mouth-
piece of God. This is the true profit of human life.
Books and scriptures are full of ways to salvation; but
only one who has contacted a competent Master will at-
tain salvation. My Master used to say, "Living or dead,
we are in the Guru's lap; where is the separation?" The
God Power manifests on some human pole to give its
contact to the disciple — some capital to start with — and
resides in him and does not leave or forsake him till, as
my Master used to proclaim, it leads the soul of the dis-
ciple step by step to its final destination: Sat Purush or
Sat Naam.
232 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
So the whole credit goes to the enlightened ones who
come to put us on the Way back to God. They are the
true friends of man. Gurbani says, O Nanak, leave the
company of false friends and search for the company of
Saints, thy true friends. The false ones will forsake thee
in life, while the Saints will not forsake thee even after
death.
So this man body is a golden opportunity you have got.
This is your turn to meet God. Avail yourself of this op-
portunity and stop not until the goal is reached.
2. AT THE HOUR OF ELIXIR
This beautiful, powerful talk was given by the Master
in the ambrosial hour of the early dawn, approximately
5 a.m., on his birthday.
Silence is more eloquent than speech. What can be
said in silence cannot be communicated through words.
A man takes birth every day; he dies every night and is
born in the morning. I have no horoscope with me, but
they tell me that today is the date of my birth. But the real
birth is that which ends the cycle of birth and death. Guru
Nanak was asked by the Siddhas how he succeeded in
ending that cycle; he said, "When I took my birth in the
house of the Satguru, I was freed from the chain of birth
and death." What is it to be born in the house of the Sat-
guru? When we rise above body consciousness and sit in
His lap, that is to be born in the house of the Satguru.
With that the unending cycle is ended. And that was on
the day of Basant Panchmi [the first day of spring] in the
year 1917; because Hazur Maharaj Ji used to meet me
long before the actual physical meeting, in fact seven years
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION 233
before that. And the date of the physical meeting in 1924
was also the same — Basant Panchmi.
So I say to you, blessed is the day when we are born
into the house of the True Master. And what is the real
birthday of a man? The day he learns to rise above body
consciousness. He can do it daily after that. All of you
have had a practical demonstration of that. We take birth
in the house of the Master; but we do not live there. Does
one leave the house where he is born? When you rise
above body consciousness you are in your true home.
You may come out of it occasionally; but you should live
there. That is the true birth.
So the real birth is that which should end the cycle of
birth and death. This is the first thing about the birthday.
Who is to be congratulated on this birth? The Master or
the disciple? A teacher's greatness lies in this: that all
his students pass the examination. If all his students pass
in the first division, the credit goes to the teacher. Isn't it
so? If they do not pass, they may celebrate his birthday,
but they do not win his pleasure. So all you brethren who
have been put on the way to the Beyond by the grace of
Hazur Maharaj Ji deserve to be congratulated only if you
pass, i.e., if you learn to rise above body consciousness.
The Gurumukh rises above to his true home at will a hun-
dred times a day. If you have not done that, all such birth-
day celebrations are useless.
So I always say to you, remember the lesson taught to
you. Having taken birth in the house of the Master, you
should live there. So, dear brothers, I say to you, sit in
Bhajan regularly every day. Learn to rise above body
consciousness. Unless you do that, there is no salvation,
no ending of birth and death. The first birth is physical;
234 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
the second is into the Beyond, into the Divine Plane of
the Master. As Kabir says, Go ye to the Plane of the Sat-
guru. The Satguru's plane is not here; it is beyond the
physical, astral and causal planes. But the way to it starts
when you rise above body consciousness. If you really
feel happy — I do not say you do not — you may give a
sign of that by doing what 1 ask you to do: sit in Bhajan
daily and keep the self-introspection diary. Do not take
food for the body until you have given food to the soul —
by contacting the God-into-expression Power within. And
for that, sadachar or true living is most essential. Without
purity of life, one cannot rise above body consciousness.
Truth is above all, but true living is still above Truth.
You have done all this lighting and decoration, and now
you are sitting in the open in this bitter cold. The outer
celebrations are all very well, if you take birth in the house
of the Master and end the cycle of birth and death. It is
all the grace of Hazur Maharaj Ji that you are all getting
direct first-hand experience. When people outside India
are getting so much benefit, our own countrymen should
get still more benefit. This chasing and running after me
is not love. Love teaches one to follow instructions, to
obey. // you love me, keep my commandments. First you
have to become a Gurusikh — a true follower of the Master
— and not a mansikh — a follower of the mind. Says the
Gurbani, The whole world follows the dictates of the mind;
a rare sadhu follows the Guru. But they that follow the
Guru transcend all barriers and limitations. Celebrating
the day by lights and decorations may be all right from
your level; from my level it is not. It will be all right from
my level only when you take birth in the house of the
Satguru.
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION 235
When, we take birth in his house, and our coming and
going is ended, only then are we to be congratulated. And
the Masters who come to guide humanity are to be con-
gratulated only when all those who go to them do their
duty and pass creditably. My Master used to say, "Please
put in some effort on your part so that I do not have to
carry each one of you on my shoulders. It will make the
Guru's task easier if you do your duty."
We have to do our work during the day. When night
falls, who can work? That is what Christ says: / must
work the works of him that sent me, vjhile it is day —
that means when he was alive- — for the night cometh, when
no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the
light of the world. Help the Master in his mission. The
time for a spiritual revolution has come. It will arrive only
when we lead a pure and chaste life. That will require some
effort on our part. Have no fear; be true disciples of the
Master and not of the mind; and then become a Guru-
mukh or mouthpiece of the Master. All these things I
have said before; this one lesson is enough if you follow
it. Do something now, when the sun is shining; you won't
be able to do anything after sunset. At present you are
alive, and the Master is also in the physical body. Do not
fritter away this opportunity. Bread and water are food
for the body; reading books and exercising the mind is
food for the intellect; and contacting the God-into- Action
Power within is food for the soul. Soul is a conscious
entity; it can find sustenance only through contact with
the Ocean of All Consciousness — God — Who is the Bread
of Life and the Water of Life.
236 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
3. ON RECEIVING THE ABHINANDAN PATRA
This is the conclusion of the address given by the Mas-
ter on being presented with the Abhinandan Patra [a let-
ter of commendation from many of India's leaders] on
Feb. 7.
These are a few things that I learnt at the feet of the
Masters: man-making, man service, and land service.
They have been my hobbies from the very beginning. To
pursue these hobbies further, I sought admission in a medi-
cal college and an agricultural college, but family circum-
stances did not allow me to continue with my education.
So the little understanding that I got through the grace of
God, I am giving out to you. This is the basic teachings
of all Masters. The best school is that where a large num-
ber of students pass the examination. Likewise, the best
social formation is that which turns out the maximum
number of perfect men. One should remain grateful to
those who molded him, and remember them always. But
to each other we are all brothers and sisters in God. Real
integration is possible only on the level of man. There is
nothing new in all this; these are the same old teachings
handed down to us from time immemorial. To err is
human; we forget; and Masters come from time to time
to awaken us and to revive the teachings.
All that has been done so far, I do not claim any cred-
it for it; I know that it is God's grace working. The un-
derstanding that I have gained through parallel study of
religions, or by studying the lives of great men, I am put-
ting before you. And this has appealed to the people.
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION 237
You have love for me; I too have love for you. At the
Manav Kendra hundreds of men and women belonging
to different social bodies and status in life toiled cease-
lessly, inspired with the spirit of selfless service. In the
bitter cold of the winter season they worked long in the
night, sometimes to 2 a.m. Judges, barristers, engineers,
college principals, high officials, worked side by side with
common laborers and merged their separate identities into
one common purpose. Seeing them work, it was difficult
to spot who was who. And they all sat together at one
place to take their meals. This is the basic thing in the
teachings of all Masters.
Remain in the social function to which you belong;
while remaining in it, reach the goal for which you have
joined it. It is a blessing to be in a social formation.
While there, one should achieve the purpose of being
there, which is to know God. "Knowledge" means ser-
vice, fellow-feeling, and culture; leading to humanity. You
have given me this honor; I am ashamed of it because
the credit is not mine. I am trying my best and hope to
become man some day. . . . God is already there in man,
but we have forgotten. Unless we advance spiritually, we
cannot reach the goal. These few words I have spoken
come from the understanding that I gained through the
grace of God by sitting at the feet of the Masters. The
credit you have given me for it goes to the Almighty, and
to the Master at whose feet I had the good fortune to sit
and learn. With these words I thank you all. . . .
238 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
4. THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION EXPLAINED
This extraordinary talk brought to a close the Evening
Satsang at the Vigyan Bhavan on the 7th, and sums up
the essence of everything.
I will not take much of your time now. There is a rev-
olution in the world today, in each and every country. It
has, however, not achieved its purpose, which is that man
should become man. If man becomes man, in the true
sense of the word, he can, all alone, shake the whole
world. Archimedes, who discovered the law of gravity,
wanted to get the center of gravity of the universe so that
he could shake the whole world. But the poor fellow
couldn't get it.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came in Bengal. His chant was
Hari bole, "Say Hari" [the Lord]. He had realized Hari
or God within, his whole body gave out radiation of Hari;
and on his lips was the chant, Hari bole, uttered from the
abundance of a heart overflowing with the love of Hari.
He went to a dhobi ghat [washerman's place] and said to
a dhobi [washerman], "Hari bole." The dhobi kept silent.
Again he said, " Hari bole." The dhobi thought he must
be a mendicant asking for alms, and he remained silent.
Chaitanya repeated his chant: "Hari bole." The dhobi said,
"I will not say it." "You will have to say it!" said Chaitan-
ya. The dhobi thought, this fellow will not leave me alone,
so he said it: "Hari bole." Now, when Chaitanya uttered
the words "Hari bole" they were charged with the power
of realization; so the dhobi left off his work and took up
the unending chant, "Hari bole, Hari bole, Hari bole — "
His companions asked him, "What has happened to you,
brother?" "Hari bole, Hari bole," the continuous chant
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION 23$
went on, hearing which the other dhobis also started chant-
ing "Hari bole, Hari bole, Hari bole . . ."
Do you know what is at the back of it all? Be an ex-
ample of what you preach. Your life should emit rays of
ideal manhood; people who come into contact with you
should feel the radiation. But first you have to become
man, in the true sense of the word. If you take just a few
steps towards that, you will find that you have unlimited
potential of man-making. The revolution today is of the
world, not of man. If you have true love in your heart and
your goal is true, you will give out the same radiation. You
may address a gathering of thousands, they will all agree
with you.
Today people are after religions; each stands for his
own religious formation. And they all have the same teach-
ings. But we do not live up to these teachings and there-
fore they have little effect on us. If we speak with a true
heart there will be radiation; it will have its effect on others.
It is a question of charging. The words may be the same
as used by others; but they will have charging in them.
Unless we live up to what we preach, our words will have
no effect on others. With all the lectures, recitations from
scriptures, organizations and social formations; exhorta-
tions from intellectuals, that man should become man,
where do we stand? How many ideal men have we pro-
duced so far? During my Western tour I gave a talk where-
in I said that there should be a revolution aimed against
the shortcomings of our thoughts and actions: a spiritual
revolution.
Now, dear brothers, all that you have heard today — the
whole thing has been put before you so beautifully. Do we
really feel the necessity of this thing? If so, we should
240 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
start acting on it from this very moment. If we would do
that, we would surely become man — a true man — and all
those who come in contact with us will be influenced by
us. A few words from a man like that will have greater
effect than all the lengthy lectures. Gandhi Ji and others
like him who lived up to their ideals — their ordinary words
had great impact on the listeners. Today our words have
no effect. We give recitations from the scriptures and talk
learnedly, without effect. What was there in the words
"Hari bole"? They had the radiation, the charging of reali-
zation. All of you assembled here can become Ambassa-
dors of Truth; it is not so difficult to do that. The center
of gravity is in you, you have only to awaken it. That will
happen when there is no conflict between our thoughts,
speech and actions: when we do not profess one thing
and do something else. We preach lofty ideals on pulpit
and platform, but act differently in private: indulging in
the same vices — backbiting, enmity, hatred, narrow-
mindedness — which we condemn so eloquently in public.
Heart speaks to heart; words spoken from the depth of the
heart will move the heart of the listener.
To put the whole thing in a nutshell: if we wish to see
all mankind become man in the true sense, we should start
with our own self; we should become men first. What is
an ideal man? He is an embodiment of love; he has rea-
lized himself and realized God; he sees the Light of God
immanent in every form. He who sees that Light manifest
in all will naturally have love and respect for everyone; he
will like to serve all; he will not cheat or exploit anyone.
I just now mentioned the need for a spiritual revolution
to bring about this transformation; and this revolution can
only be brought about by a man of realization. Live the
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION 241
life. There is enough food for thought available; we read
so many books, hear so many lectures, but how many true
men are there? The more we have of such men, true men,
the more effect we will have on people.
What little understanding I got by sitting at the feet of
my Master, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, I am
giving out to you.
He loved all, even atheists. Once when he was posted
at Murree Hills, an atheist who was suffering from tuber-
culosis and was advised to sojourn in the hills by his doc-
tors, came to Murree Hills. He knocked at every door
for accommodation, but found them all closed; nobody
was willing to take him in. First, because of the highly in-
fectious disease he was suffering from, and also because
he did not believe in God. He came to the residence of
Hazur Maharaj Ji, who was away on duty at the time. He
asked the housekeeper for accomodation, and was refused.
It so happened that Hazur Maharaj Ji was just then re-
turning home and saw the man being turned away from
his house. He asked the housekeeper about it, and was
told that it was a tuberculosis patient asking for accommo-
dation whom nobody was willing to take in. "And what
did you say?" asked Hazur. "I also refused him, for he
was an atheist," said the housekeeper. Hazur Maharaj
told him, "Look here, this man may not know that God
resides in him, but we know it, don't we? Please give him
accommodation."
The words of a man of realization have an impact on
others. It comes through radiation. There is no need to
speak; the whole thing is done through radiation. You have
said so much about me; but I have yet to become a com-
242 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
plete man. I have taken a few steps in that direction; and
what little understanding I got through the grace of God
and the grace of Hazur Maharaj Ji and the opportunity
that I got to live up to that — the whole credit for that goes
to my Master. If you find anything good in me. that again
is due to his grace.
There is nothing new in what I am saying to you. What
is required is life behind the words, as with Chaitanya and
"Hari bole." Guru Nanak used to go into Samadhi repeat-
ing the words Sat Kartar. It comes from the unity of
thought and action. There should be no conflict between
speech and action, practice and profession. So if you want
to really live, then you should yourself become man first,
put your own house in order, before you set out to reform
others. If you take one step forward with sincerity of pur-
pose, God overhead will extend a thousand hands to help
you on your way. I thank you all for your time and for giv-
ing me this opportunity to speak to you once again.
This is the way to succeed in achieving your purpose of
becoming a man. In the West it was this very thing that at-
tracted them — radiation through action, i.e., life lived ac-
cording to precepts. It is the same old old teachings; there
is nothing new in all that is being given out to you. Digest
it. Food that is well digested gives one strength; undigested
food will come out through vomiting, or it will rot and
cause disease. All this bigotry and narrow-mindedness,
selfishness and exploitation of man by man, is due to not
doing what we say and profess. We only say; we do not do.
With these words I thank you all once again. The great
men here who spoke to you this evening have put these
things so beautifully before you. They would like you to
live up to them. Let each man become a center unto him-
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION 243
self. He should develop and progress physically, intellect-
ually and spiritually, and reach the ultimate goal: merge
into the Absolute from where he came. I want you all here
assembled to become Ambassadors of Truth: to know
yourselves first and then to know God; and through radi-
ation, change others. Thank you.
THE remodeling of OUR destiny is the Presidential
Address, delivered by Kirpal Singh on February 1974, at
the Inaugural Session of the great World Conference on
Unity of Man in New Delhi. Since the Master departed
widely from his prepared text when giving this talk, this
version (which was published in Sat Sandesh in March
1974) was edited somewhat to bring it into conformity with
the words that Master actually spoke.
The Remodeling of our Destiny
A mystic bond of brotherhood makes all men one.
THOMAS CARLYLE
Dear brothers and sisters: I am happy to greet you
all, who have gathered here from all over the world.
In this momentous session we have to explore and find out
ways and means to cement and strengthen the solidarity
of mankind. Nations, like individuals, are swayed by pas-
sions, prides and prejudices which create chasms in the real
social order which are very often difficult to span. We are
living in an age of decadence, when moral and spiritual
values are at their lowest ebb. With all these drawbacks
and the numerous divisive tendencies, there is still a ray of
hope of regeneration and reorientation. This very hope has
brought us together.
I thank you all for the loving response to the call for
remodeling of our destiny to secure a lasting peace.
It is said that "East is East and West is West and never
the twain shall meet." That may have been true at one
time or another, or for the author of the dictum, Rudyard
Kipling; but certainly it carries no weight with men of God
in the present scientific age, when distance and space are
fast losing their significance, and efforts are being made to
establish interplanetary contacts.
The various countries of the world are just like cham-
bers in the House of God, housing different nations. Dis-
246 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
tinguished from one another by geographic, climatic and
historical conditions, facial contours and complexions, lan-
guages and dialects, diet and apparel and modes of wor-
ship, all people conditioned by these divergent factors form
the great organic whole called humanity.
With all these seeming differences and distinctions of
color, creed, and caste, and these diversities in his modes
of living and thinking, man essentially and basically re-
mains man in outer appearance and inner make-up. Unity
already exists in the human form, since each one is born
the same way with the same outer and inner construction,
and each one has a soul which is of the same essence as
that of God. We are drops of the Ocean of All Conscious-
ness, Whom we worship as the same God, calling Him by
different names. Holy men say that the human body is the
true temple of God, and that He resides in the temple
made by Him in the womb of the mother, and not in tem-
ples made by human hands, and that the human form pro-
vides us with a golden opportunity to realize Him.
Man has three aspects: physical body, intellect, and a
conscious entity. He has progressed physically, intellectu-
ally and mechanically; but despite this, he is unhappy and
has not developed spiritually. He has developed his head
and not his heart, and his scientific knowledge is misdi-
rected to fiendish malevolence. It has created a spiritual
vacuum.
We stand in the middle of a two-fold crisis: a state cult
of militarism, euphemistically called '"patriotism" on one
hand, and an apathy to spiritual development through
knowledge of the True Self on the other. In the absence of
any positive thinking on both these levels we are morally
regressing, and in this sad predicament we cannot have
THE REMODELING OF OUR DESTINY 247
lasting peace. Guru Nanak therefore prayed, "O God, the
world is aflame and has passed beyond our care. Save it
by the means You consider best."
The problem before us is how to bring about a change
in man's heart and effect his inner conversion so that he
can see truly and clearly and learn to discriminate between
truth and untruth. Since this lies beyond the scope of body
and intellect, it can only come about through an inward
illumination of divine wisdom in the sanctuary of the soul.
This is the individual aspect of the matter. We also have
to forge abiding bonds of kinship among the nations of
the world so they will treat each other with genuine cour-
tesy based on inward love and friendliness, and seek the
welfare of all members of the human family, transcending
their political ideologies which create rivalries and inter-
national tensions.
During my last foreign tour I was asked on television
in the United States, "How can peace be cemented?" I told
them, "Peace can be cemented only when men rise above
'isms' and Presidents and Kings rise above countries."
To remain in any "ism" is a blessing, if we keep in mind
the ideal for which we have joined it and rise into uni-
versalism; but if we stick obdurately to the "ism," the re-
sult is again narrow-mindedness and selfishness. Similarly,
if Kings nourish their gardens well and keep them bloom-
ing in all respects, they should let all other countries bloom
the same way and further the cause of human happiness;
otherwise there will be conflicts and wars. It has been our
endeavor of late to find a common forum and meeting
ground where such momentous issues could be discussed
dispassionately — by separating the non-essentials from es-
sentials and eliminating differences, in order to find unity
248 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
in diverse thinking and bring abiding peace on earth; com-
plete concord and amity in all spheres of our life.
In order to understand this worldwide movement in
which we are participating today, it is necessary to review
its background. Religious contacts between East and West
were established as far back as 1893, when the patriot-
saint Vivekananda went out with the message of the Upan-
ishads and Gita and represented India at the Chicago Par-
liament of Religions. His life and living showed a practical
way to demonstrate the essential unity of all religions, to
proclaim the message of which he founded a chain of mis-
sions in the name of his Master, Paramhansa Ramakrishna.
Ten years later, in 1903, another young savant, Swami
Ram Tirath, presented the philosophy of Vedanta to the
West in such a lucid manner that he was hailed as a "Liv-
ing Christ."
Thus the way was paved for the next great step, the
spread of spirituality or mysticism — the bedrock of every
religion. In its pure essence, this implies the awakening of
man to a consciousness at once supra-sensible and supra-
mental — an immediate revelation. All mystics, Eastern and
Western, have believed in the possibility of direct com-
munion with the Spirit and Power of God through love
and contemplation, without the aid of reason and logic.
It puts man on the road to inwardness (not to be confused
with escapism), with an active living morality as the es-
sential prerequisite. This is the religion of spirit, or the
science of the soul, and through it an individual finds his
proper relation to the universe by establishing contact with
God through His expression, the power called Naam,
Shabd, Kalma or Word, which is the Maker, permeating
and controlling all creation. The relationship with this
THE REMODELING OF OUR DESTINY 249
power is achieved by developing reverence for life at all
levels of existence without distinguishing between high and
humble — including man, bird, beast, and the lower species.
The non-human forms are the younger members of the
family of God.
This idea of the sanctity of life is a living religion of love
in the innermost part of our being. True theism cannot
be reasoned out intellectually or felt on the level of emo-
tions; it proceeds from true knowledge, which is an action
of the soul in perfect harmony beyond the senses. This is
what is called "spirituality" — the contact of the soul with
the Oversoul — and it is achieved by rising above body
consciousness through practical self-analysis, a demonstra-
tion of which can be given by an adept in the process. We
call it Para Vidya (the Knowledge of the Beyond) because
it lies beyond our sensory perceptions.
This science of the soul is not something new; it is the
most ancient teaching of all. The way back to God is of
God's own make and stands on its own, without the neces-
sity of scriptural support to uphold its authenticity. But
unmistakable references in the scriptures of all religions
from the earliest times to the present day bear witness to
the Unmanifest Reality in its primordial form of Light
and Sound.
In the present age, saints like Kabir and Guru Nanak
revived the ancient teachings of the sages of the past. In
more recent times the torch was kept alive by their suc-
cessors until the spiritual mantle came to hallow the per-
sonality of Baba Sawan Singh Ji, who during his long
ministry of 45 years (1903-1948) gave it the widest dis-
tribution possible. In 1911 he began the work of revealing
250 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
the Gospel of Love, Light and Life to the Western world
as well.
Ruhani Satsang was founded in 1948 and dedicated to
the task of imparting purely spiritual instruction, shorn of
all ritual and ceremony and free from embellishment and
symbol, to all classes of humanity. Followers of different
faiths, beliefs, and creeds meet at Sawan Ashram — which
became its permanent center in 1951 — and address large
masses of people coming from different walks of life, who
are eager to learn and understand the elemental truths
which form the quintessence of all sacred scriptures. The
discourses converge on the common theme of establishing
direct touch with Reality, and attempts are made to re-
produce and correlate, in simple understandable language,
the sayings of sages and seers of all times. Presently this
is being spread in 209 centers all over the world which
have helped considerably to remove to some extent artifi-
cial barriers of race, language, and religion, and brought
many kinds of human beings to worship the Nameless Be-
ing with so many names.
By the grace of God, a new field unexpectedly opened
up in 1957 when Muni Sushil Kumar Ji sponsored a Con-
ference of World Religions with the idea of forming a
World Fellowship of Religions. As a result of further de-
liberations there did come into being a Fellowship includ-
ing most of the faiths of the world, and I was elected its
President. Three World tours were undertaken and four
World Religions Conferences were organized in India, be-
sides regional conferences in other countries. The purpose
was to disseminate the idea of universal fellowship among
people professing different faiths and beliefs, and it brought
about broader and better understanding and a sense of
THE REMODELING OF OUR DESTINY 251
mutual trust and confidence at the top level among the
representatives of the various religions.
But while the religious leaders were coming closer, a
danger was developing among the followers. Instead of
making religion a cementing force, they made it an instru-
ment to serve their vested interests and began to form
communal groupings bearing the labels associated with
their "isms" — fortifying them with artificial walls of ha-
tred and distrust. One wonders how a person professing
religion, which is a link between man and God, can run
the risk of forgetting that he is a man born with the same
privileges from God as those he hates, and that he is a con-
scious entity which is a drop of the Ocean of All Con-
sciousness.
To combat this danger of religious chauvinism, it was
thought necessary to start the work of regeneration from
the roots. Man-making must take precedence. This can
only be done by inculcating in people generally the hu-
manistic ideals of unselfish love and selfless service, with
special emphasis on man service, land service and animal
service (animals being our younger brothers and sisters
in the family of God). This idea took concrete shape in
1969 with the decision to set up Man-Making Centers or
Manav Kendras here in India and abroad.
In India a Man Center has been started at Dehra Dun
at the foot of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas. It has
set up a hospital, a home for indigent elderly people, and
a school for the children of poor families in the area. A
provision for farming and cattle-raising on modern scienti-
fic lines is a part of the project. Eventually we hope to see
a university, fully equipped with the original scriptural
texts of the religions of the world, so that comparative
252 DISCOURSES AND ESSAYS
studies of the truths contained therein may be undertaken;
and a language school to overcome linguistic difficulties.
This convention aims to unite all mankind on the com-
mon ground of service to fellow human beings and faith
in Divine Power, and to accomplish that, it urges the re-
ligious and ethical leadership of the world to shed apathy
and aloofness and assume a more prominent role in human
affairs. Such conferences in the past have been organized
at the level of religions, and consequently have not been
able to achieve integration in the required measure. A sig-
nificant feature of this conference is that it is being orga-
nized at the level of man, as envisioned by saints and
prophets like Socrates, Buddha, Mohammed, Christ, Ka-
bir, and Nanak, so that it may lead to true integration.
The challenging task before the religious and spiritual lead-
ers is to bring about a radical change in the ethical, educa-
tional and economic status of humanity. Economic uplift
is essential because "a hungry man is an angry man" and
to talk of God to him is a mockery.
I am confident that each one of us fully realizes the
significance of this cosmopolitan meeting and will extend
his whole-hearted support toward the fulfillment of its
objectives: developing human understanding and herald-
ing the unity of mankind. Let us pledge ourselves to this
task, transcending all narrow allegiances and commit-
ments, and stand united and resolute until its ultimate
fulfillment.
Ill
The Circular Letters
INTRODUCTION TO PART THREE
The Master began issuing this extraordinary series of cir-
cular letters shortly after his First World Tour, and it con-
tinued, at greater or lesser intervals, until three months
before his death. These circulars were unlike his books or
his talks, or even his letters to individual disciples; they
really were "circular letters," that is, letters to every one
of his disciples at once, conveying whatever he considered
of the first importance at the time. Consequently, they have
an intimacy and immediacy not found in his books or pub-
lic talks, yet are relevant to the needs of all his disciples.
the outer aspects of life was issued on May 1,
1956, as Circular Letter No. 1; it was out of print for
many years until published in Sat Sandesh in February
1970.
The Outer Aspects of Life
With the grace of my Master, my tour to the United
States and Europe has been successful, with the lov-
ing cooperation and sacrifice of all over there, for whom
I have great appreciation in my mind.
On my return from the tour, it has come to my notice
that there exist misapprehensions, which if not guarded
against or checked might prove harmful to many interested
in the path. These are mostly concerned with the outer
aspects of life. It is, therefore, considered advisable to
clarify the position in this respect.
Spirituality — a Creed of Loving Faith: The subject
of the spirit is the most ancient and the most authentic of
all subjects. Its history is coeval with that of man. It is
based on two cardinal principles of love and service, or
in other words selfless service. "By love, serve one an-
other," has been the slogan of all sages through the ages.
God is love and He loves those who love His creatures.
He prayeth best, who loveth best
All things both great and small;
For the Dear God, Who loveth us
He made and loveth all.
Again, it is said, "He prayeth well, who loveth well /
Both man and bird and beast."
We may take any scripture we like, we find an exhor-
tation in most emphatic terms on love. "Verily, verily, I
256 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
say unto thee that God manifests Himself to one who
knows how to love."
Importance of Love: Loving and selfless service to
humanity is the cornerstone of all religious philosophies
and no man can make any progress on the spiritual path
without cultivating love within him. The seed of spiritu-
ality that the Master so lovingly sows in the arid soil of
our hearts, has to be nurtured with the waters of love, if
quick results are desired. We must so mold our life and
conduct that all our acts bespeak His love. We must trans-
form the desert of our heart into a veritable garden of love
full of lovely blossoms and luscious fruits. From our heart
should spring an eternal fountain of love, so that whoso-
ever comes in contact with it is drenched with love to the
very core of his heart.
Spirituality — A Divine Cause: The cause of the
Master is the cause of God. It is no religion in the com-
monly accepted sense of the word and yet it is the highest
religion based on love alone. We cannot keep the illimit-
able God in watertight limited compartments. God Himself
has declared, "I neither live on the high heavens nor on
the earth below, yet the wonder of wonders is that I live
in the heart of a Momin or Godman."
Again, spiritual teaching and training is a living and
practical subject, quite different from secular and sectarian
dogmas and so many creeds that we have today. Life,
light and love coming from a living Master well out spon-
taneously from the heart and not from any books on
theology. No doubt everything has its own value, but in
a world of relativity, the values are all relative. A positive
contact with the live principles of living God is some-
THE OUTER ASPECTS OF LIFE 257
thing unique. It stands on a footing which is entirely dif-
ferent.
Spirituality and The Common Man: In this vast
creation, everyone is gifted with an individual perception.
The heredity, the environment and the teachings incul-
cated, all combine to make one what he is. We cannot
blame anyone for thinking differently in his own way.
Everyone has his own temperament and his own way of
thinking. They must differ and they do differ vehemently.
There is no help for it. It is, on the other hand, the sign
of sentient life. We must not therefore, on that account,
cross swords with them. Even if in their ignorance they,
at times, may talk ill of the spiritual teachings and use
harsh words, they cannot help it. But that should not dis-
turb the true seekers after Truth. We must be polite and
gentle and even humble in our conduct. Bandying of
words does not help. We may try to remove misunder-
standings if any, sweetly and gently, but not in an antag-
onistic spirit. It is advised that individual persons (includ-
ing representatives, group leaders and other old and new
initiates) should not enter into any sort of discussions or
disputes with any religious bodies, circles, faiths or sects,
etc. If any such bodies do enter into such things, they may
be directed to refer to the Master for an appropriate re-
ply. It would be better to turn aside rather than to break
your own head in an attempt and injure the great cause
for which we stand. God knows His purpose well and
has diverse ways to fulfill the same, without you and me.
So it will not pay to quarrel with our neighbors. It is said
that those who try to live by the sword, perish by the
sword. The entire Christian philosophy is summed up in
two memorable precepts of Jesus Christ. "Thou shalt
258 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind"; and "Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself." (Matthew 22:37, 40). And, "Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them
that hate you and persecute you, that you may be the
children of your Father which is in heaven: ... Be ye
therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven
is perfect" (Matthew 5:44-45, 48), and so said all other
Masters who came in the past. If we live up to these
teachings, there could be no trouble at all. The royal monk,
Ashoka, in one of his rock edicts tells us: "He who reveres
his own sect but disparages the sects of others, does great
injury to his own for he lacks the essentials of a religion."
Spirit of Service — Inter Se: The above remarks ap-
ply equally in your dealings with one another. You are
all knit together by the loving grace of the Master in bonds
of common fellowship. Honest differences of opinion may
arise and at times do arise; but these must be resolved
happily by friendly exchange of thought and mutual dis-
cussion free from bitterness and rancor. If in spite of this,
these persist, a timely reference to the Master would be
a welcome resort rather than to indulge in widening the
gulf between ourselves, by encouraging fissiparous ten-
dencies.
Harvest Is Much! Laborers Are Wanted: All those
who help in the Master's cause in whatsoever way are the
chosen ones. Whenever a Master spirit comes into the
world, He brings His own staff with Him. Whoever puts
in a stone in His edifice, does service to Him. It therefore
behooves all the more that such selfless workers should
present a true model of common brotherhood rather than
to add another discord where there is already so much.
THE OUTER ASPECTS OF LIFE 259
Again, service is service and must be rendered in a true
spirit of service. Service must come before self. All
thoughts of self must be sacrificed at the altar of service.
That service alone is acceptable to the Master as is volun-
tary, free and untarnished by even the least traces of self.
It must not be rendered in an animal spirit, a fighting mood,
just as a matter of right or routine, all of which tend to
lower the true spirit and dignity of service. There is one
more point that may not be lost sight of, in respect of
service. Nobody can render service or even think of ren-
dering it, unless he is so actuated by the Master Power,
permeating in the very fibers of his being. So one should
never think, with all that he does, that he has done any
service. It is therefore said that one living in the house of
the Master, and carrying out His behests, should never
feel that he has done anything. And this in fact is the
veritable truth, because all credit goes to the Motor Power
or the Great Dynamo, working in and through each indi-
vidual. One must, therefore, feel and see the Master Hand
working behind the scene. All such service is glorious in-
deed, as it is free from all taints of the self.
The Master Power works regardless of all limitations
of time, space and causation. Even when acting through
certain authorized persons in distant lands, the sole re-
sponsibility remains with the Master. The agents are just
mere instruments to arrange preliminaries, to fill in appli-
cations of persons desirous of initiation, to convey the in-
structions of the Master, and after due approval to ar-
range sittings and meetings, etc. The transmission of the
life impulse, the coupling process and the like, all come
from the Master directly and nobody has any hand in
them. None can, therefore, claim any superiority over his
260 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
colleagues, because of this. All from the highest to the
lowest get their inspiration from the Master, and owe the
good fortune of being helpful in one way or another. We
must, therefore, work in a team spirit of brotherly love
with no thoughts of high and low, for all service is one —
the divine service, of which we all are the members. The
arrangements, however, exist for the sake of discipline
and maintaining order in the smooth running of the spir-
itual work. But as said above, none should feel elated or
entertain feelings of superiority over others. All of us have
to work shoulder to shoulder under the guiding inspira-
tion of the Master. The persons selected as representa-
tives are the elders and more experienced and should be
respected. In case of any difference of opinion, the matter
may be referred to the Master, and until then no one
should go on strike or over-rule them but work in close
cooperation with them. Such selected ones (representatives)
should be in complete harmony with others working in
that capacity as they are selected to carry on the work of
the Master. When opportunity is afforded they should meet
each other for consultation of any important points. This
will ensure uniformity and inculcate love in others and
afford variety of talks to the groups situated in the various
areas. The representatives should submit quarterly (April,
July, October and January) a regular report on the work-
ing of the Master's Mission in their areas, with constructive
suggestions, if any, touching all important points with
names of group assistants carrying on work in different
centers. I would also be glad to hear from those in charge
of the various centers at regular intervals about any im-
portant events occurring at those places. I have a loving
appreciation of all the work done by them.
THE OUTER ASPECTS OF LIFE 261
Self Reformation: Purity of life in thought, word
and deed is of prime importance in the service of the Mas-
ter. A divine cause can flourish and fructify in abundance
on a pure soil. We must all learn to look within and not
without. It is far easier to see a mote in another's eye than
to see a beam in one's own. We must try to inculcate the
habit of self-introspection, so as to weed out all infirmities
one by one. The importance of maintaining and submit-
ting of a diary by all for this purpose cannot be over-
emphasized. All initiates should devote regular time to the
spiritual practices with due regard to ethical life and ab-
stinence of all meat, fish, fowl or eggs, and maintain their
diaries for submission to the Master after every three
months. They should guard against the five deadly sins of
desire, anger, greed, infatuation and vanity, and develop
instead the virtues of truth, chastity, non-injury, universal
love, and selfless service.
Financial Control: The work of spiritual regenera-
tion is carried on only with voluntary contributions from
the sangat or the brotherhood. There are no hard and fast
rules in this behalf. Everybody is free to contribute what-
ever he can easily do for the service of the sacred cause.
There is no question of imposition or taxation in the mat-
ter. No financial aid from persons outside the brotherhood
is accepted and there is a reason for this. We want funds
from the earnings of those honest souls who earn their
living by honest means and are touched by the love of
God. It must be noted that Master does not accept any
gifts or offering from his disciples. All his personal needs
he meets from his own pocket. All voluntary contribu-
tions are collected only for the work of the sangat. It is
therefore necessary that proper account should be kept
262 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
of all income and out-go, on regular scientific lines so as
to eliminate all chances of misapplication of the funds and
to ensure its full utility on economic and efficient lines.
It is necessary that suitable arrangements be made for
periodical checking of the same, and every effort must be
made to minimize the expenses to the bare needs and re-
quirements of the time and occasion. All such things can
be arranged by mutual consultation in a spirit of friendly
good will. Selfless or honorary service with love in pre-
ference to paid work is advised except in rare cases where
a sincere worker needs help which may be in the form of
honorarium.
Correspondence: The Master personally attends to
the work of correspondence both foreign and local, in spite
of heavy demands on his time, and has to sit till late hours
in the night. Satisfactory arrangements are made to safe-
guard against any loss of correspondence received in the
Ashram. At times he goes out of the station in answer to
pressing calls from different places; then too letters are
issued on his personal instance in each case and the re-
plies are delayed on account of absence on tour. To save
heavy postage on account of the abnormal receipt of let-
ters (over one thousand from India and abroad monthly)
it has been started as trial measure to send off replies in
closed covers weekly or so (except in urgent cases) to a
central station where they could be sent by post, duly
stamped, to different stations in foreign countries.
Tour Program: All invitations for spiritual discourses
from foreign or local places are most welcome to the Mas-
ter. But the sponsors of such meetings have to make suit-
able arrangements for temporary stay, halls or open spaces
for meetings or talks and for visitors coming from long
THE OUTER ASPECTS OF LIFE 263
distances so that nobody is inconvenienced in any way.
The Master while appreciating the loving warmth of his
disciples, does not like fanfares and display of material
show at such meetings.
General: The Master is a Master for all humanity.
All are equally entitled to the spiritual heritage of God
like all the gifts of nature: light, air, water, etc. He distri-
butes freely amongst all. For him there is no East and no
West.
The dictum of Rudyard Kipling, "O East is East and
West is West, and never the twain shall meet," no longer
stands with him. In fact all points of the compass con-
verge in the Master and equally draw their inspiration
from him. The different countries of the world are but so
many rooms in the mansion of His Father. All national-
ities, all religions, all creeds, and all philosophies are His,
and they all end at the highest sensory plane from where
the spiritual path just begins. His is an unwritten law and
unspoken language and the eloquent silence that guides
from plane to plane.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEEKERS AFTER TRUTH Was issued in
1956 as Circular No. 2 under this title and was required
reading for all prospective initiates. It was published in
Sat Sandesh in April 1970.
Instructions for Seekers after Truth
Before the living Master (an adept in the science of
the Sound Current or Word), gives Initiation, he
wishes that every prospective initiate abide by the follow-
ing instructions:
I. To cultivate and develop the five cardinal virtues which
constitute the bedrock of spirituality. These are:
1. Ahimsa or Non-injury to all living creatures, and
more so to fellow beings, by thoughts, words and deeds —
the injunction in this behalf being: "Injure not a human
heart for it is the seat of God." We must have respect for
others' feelings and tolerance for others' opinions.
2. Satayam or Truthfulness: As God is Truth, we must
practice Truth in all our dealings. If Truth resides in every
heart, it must manifest itself in life and action. "Be true to
thyself and it must follow as night the day, thou canst not
be false to any man." We must therefore avoid falsehood
at all costs. It includes, besides downright lies, hypocrisy
and dishonesty, suppresso vert (suppression of truth), and
suggestio falsi (suggestions of false ideas).
3. Brahmcharya or life of Chastity: It includes conti-
nence in thoughts, words and deeds. We must not cast
covetous eyes on others nor entertain impure thoughts
within, for "Chastity is life and sexuality is death." If we
want to tread the Path of Life Eternal, we must be chaste
and clean both within and without.
266 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
4. Prem or love for all living creatures and more so for
all human beings. Let there be hatred for none. The en-
tire manifestation is the handiwork of God and must
therefore be loved and respected. "He who does not know
love, cannot know God."
5. Nishkam Seva or Selfless Service to all living crea-
tures in sorrow or distress. If one limb of the body is in
torture, the other limbs can have no rest. "Service before
self" should therefore be our motto in life.
II. To practice these three purities — in Diet, Livelihood
and Conduct:
1. Ahar or Diet. What we eat goes to constitute the
body and the mind. "Sound mind in a sound body" is a
well known aphorism. We can neither have one nor the
other with unwholesome diet. A strictly vegetarian diet
consisting of vegetables and fruits, both fresh and dried,
cereals, dairy products like milk, cream, butter, cheese,
yoghurt, etc., is essential for all aspirants for Truth. We
must therefore avoid meat, meat juices, fish, fowl, eggs
both fertile and unfertile, or anything containing any of
these ingredients in any form or in any degree. Every ac-
tion has a reaction and flesh eating involves contracting
fresh Karmas and thus helps to keep the inexorable Kar-
mic wheel in motion for we have to reap what we sow. We
cannot have roses if we sow thistles.
The above prohibitions apply equally to all kinds of
alcoholic drinks, intoxicants, opiates and narcotic drugs.
as they tend to dull our consciousness and make us morbid.
"The body is the temple of the living God" and it must
therefore be kept scrupulously clean.
Any prospective candidate for Initiation should there-
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEEKERS 267
fore try the vegetarian diet for at least three to six months,
to ensure that he or she can adhere to it, when put on the
Path.
2. Vihar or Livelihood: Closely associated with diet
are the means of livelihood. There are no short-cuts in
spirituality. The end here does not justify the means, as it
may be construed to do anywhere else. Ignoble means to
earn one's living do contaminate one's diet, the very
source of life itself. So an honest living by the sweat of
one's brow is essential in this line. The life plant has there-
fore to be nurtured with pure water to make it sound and
healthy, a fit instrument for the efflorescence of spiritu-
ality.
3. Achar or Conduct: The above remarks apply equally
to one's conduct in life. Every thought, every word and
every deed, good or bad, leaves an indelible imprint on
the mind and has to be accounted for. Hence the necessity
for right thoughts, right aspirations and right conduct, all
of which constitute the hedge around the tender sapling of
spirituality. The details in this behalf have been dealt with
under the five virtues discussed above.
III. Satsang or Association with Truth:
The guidance of the living Master is of supreme impor-
tance. A Master is a Master indeed, a Master in all three
phases of life: A Guru or Master on the physical plane,
sharing our joys and sorrows, guiding affectionately each
one of us in our worldly affairs, and above all imparting
spiritual instructions; a Guru Dev or Radiant Form of the
Master in astral and causal regions helping the spirit in
meditation at each plane, and Satguru or Master of Truth
or Truth itself in the Beyond.
268 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
The importance of attending Satsangs or spiritual gath-
erings cannot be overemphasized. Theory always precedes
practice. It is but necessary to understand clearly the teach-
ings of the Master in all their bearings before starting
spiritual practice. The Master is the be-all and end-all on
the spiritual path. He does not ask for blind faith, how-
ever, though experimental faith is necessary for the pur-
pose, to start with. He emphatically says: "Believe not
the words of the Master unless you see the Reality your-
self," or at least have some experience of it yourself.
IV. Spirituality:
It is a path of love, discipline and self-control. After the
initial spiritual experience given at the time of Initiation,
the rest depends on relentless regular practice as enjoined
by the Master. Daily practice with loving faith, in all sin-
cerity and humility, is the cornerstone round which each
disciple must turn, so as to make progress on the Path.
Love for the Master means implicit obedience to His com-
mandments.
V. To Eschew All Symbolism and Rituals:
The observance of religious practices, rites and rituals,
keeping fasts and vigils, going on pilgrimages, etc., and
doing breathing exercises are the elementary steps only
which go to create in you a desire for turning to or meet-
ing God. You have made the best use of them when you
are put on the way back to God, which is the science of
the Word or the Sound Current and is one for all human-
ity. A devotee of this science need not indulge in the ele-
mentary steps. In short, all acts involving physical labor
belong to the realm of the physical world while we have
to rise above the body and bodily consciousness to get
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEEKERS 269
contact with the primal manifestations of the Godhead:
Light and Sound. You cannot pray God with hands. "God
is Spirit and can only be worshiped in spirit."
VI. Record of Conduct and Progress:
Every seeker after God is enjoined to maintain a strictly
impartial record of his daily conduct, so as to find out
his weaknesses and try to weed them out one by one; to
note his/her progress on the Path and the various difficul-
ties and shortcomings in the way. The diary so maintained
is to be sent to the Master every four months for further
guidance. For this purpose regular forms are available
and can be obtained from the nearest center.
VII. Application for Initiation:
Every true aspirant for spiritual science, who can adhere
to the above, after preliminary abstinence in diet for about
three to six months, can put in an application on the form
prescribed for the purpose, giving his brief life sketch, age,
marital status and the like along with a copy of his or her
photograph. All applications for Initiation are to be for-
warded to the nearest representative of the Master for His
approval, and instructions in Initiation are given only after
the Master authorizes them. The place and time of Initia-
tion are communicated in each case by the representative.
VIII. Ruhani Satsang or Path of the Masters:
The science of the living Masters is the most ancient and
the most perfect science the world has ever seen. It is
the most natural and the easiest to follow, and can be
followed by men of all ages. Married life, avocation, caste
and creed, social and religious beliefs, poverty or illitera-
cy, etc., are no bars. It is an inner science of the soul and
consists in contacting the soul with the Oversoul, with the
270 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
help and guidance of the spiritual adept, well versed in
the theory and the practice of Para Vidya or the Science
of the Beyond and capable of granting some first-hand
spiritual experience at the very first sitting. Nothing is to
be taken on trust or make-believe. Miracles, spiritual heal-
ings, psychic phenomena, fortune-telling, akashic records
and worldly desires are all to be left aside, for these are
positive hindrances on the Path. The entire energy is to be
conserved for internal progress.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God,
and all things shall be added unto you.
This is the highest Truth that has been taught from hoary
antiquity by sages and seers since the day of creation. It
is unalterable and shall remain so. God, Godway and
Godman can never suffer any change and shall ever re-
main eternal.
ends and means was issued November 22, 1956 as
Circular No. 3, It was published in Sat Sandesh in March
1970.
Ends and Means
Whenever one takes upon himself a duty, he must be
clear about his responsibility. This need for under-
standing the obligations that are entailed with any piece
of work is of much greater importance for us — the mem-
bers of the Ruhani Satsang — for we have taken upon our-
selves the most important and the most difficult task in the
world — i.e., enabling ourselves and our fellow beings to
attain self-knowledge and God-knowledge. We must, be-
fore we can be of any real service, be absolutely clear
about the fundamentals of Para Vidya or the Path of the
Masters.
2. The Para Vidya literally stands for the Knowledge
of the Beyond. It seeks to make the human soul one with
God by transcending the physical, the astral and the caus-
al planes of existence. It has therefore nothing to do with
outer forms and ceremonies — rites, rituals, sacrifices, fasts,
vigils, pilgrimages. These are outer practices. We have to
make the best use of them. If they are adhered to literally
at the sacrifice of the spirit, they are positive hindrances on
the Path. For instead of leading us beyond the world of
the senses, they fix us more firmly therein. In our Satsangs
we should not mix up the science of Para Vidya with any
other kind of movement, which deals with other than this
science. We should understand that this is the highest of
all movements, which is the goal of all religions as taught
by all Masters who came in the past, including Jesus
274 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
Christ. Of course, our Satsangs will be universal and serve
as a common ground or school of spirituality devoid of all
forms and rituals, for all Masters who will be welcome to
give their valuable talks on the theory and practice of
science of self-knowledge and God-knowledge. Our main
aim of life is to know ourself and to know God. We must
never waver from this and in every action we do. we must
consider whether it takes us nearer to or farther away from
our ideal and we should ceaselessly try for the same.
Awake, arise and stop not until the goal is reached.
UPANISHADS
3. What is God and how can we know Him? God, as
all the scriptures and the saints have said, is nameless and
unknowable. Then how can we know God? The answer
is that the Absolute is not knowable, yet makes Himself
known by manifesting Himself as Light and Sound Prin-
ciple. Most religions tell us that the creation began from
these primal manifestations. Now the Divine Light and the
Divine Sound or "Word" (known variously as Shabd or
Nad among the Hindus, Kalma among the Muslims) may
be contacted by rising above physical consciousness. They
exist in a latent form in all of us. Our goal must therefore
be to develop them and contact them within us. To do this,
we must through meditation learn to withdraw our soul
to its seat behind and between the eyes. Having once con-
tacted the Inner Light and Sound, we can progress toward
their source, passing from plane to plane until we reach
God.
4. To succeed on this Inner Path, we must find one who
has explored it to its utmost limits. A living Master is an
inevitable need and indispensable means to the attaining
of self-realization. On the purely physical level, he serves
ENDS AND MEANS 275
as a living example of a perfect life. He tells us of our
true home and the way that leads to it. On the spiritual
side he gives us details of the Inner Path, its intricacies
and difficulties, provides us, by using his own attention,
with an actual experience of withdrawal from the body
and of the Inner Light and Sound, and guides us through
the more difficult parts of our inner journey till we reach
our goal. The Master Saint is a human being like any one
of us, but through the blessings of his Master and intense
spiritual discipline he has risen into cosmic awareness.
He has become one with God and is a conscious co-worker
of His Divine Plan. He is a living embodiment of God's
Love and does nothing of himself. He is not tormented by
any self-interest, but works for the benefit of suffering hu-
manity. If we can sacrifice our personality to him, as he
has sacrificed his to God, following all his command-
ments, then alone we can make spiritual progress. To obey
the Master is in fact to obey God, for it is God Who works
through the human pole.
5. The spiritual Path is a difficult one and requires a
rigorous self-discipline. We must forever be on the alert
against anything that draws us away from the Path. We
must carry out our Master's instructions to the very letter,
devoting regular time to meditation. We must learn to
overcome self-love which is a fire that consumes and de-
stroys, and cultivate love for God, which is a fire that
purges and purifies.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
mind . . .
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
matthew 22:37-40
276 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
We must constantly remember that our aim is God, and
must not be concerned with anything that makes us for-
get that aim. We must be above party spirit and avoid
party factions. Our whole life must be built upon love and
humility which are inseparable. If we make any spiritual
progress we must guard against pride. Instead of looking
down upon our fellow beings we must thank God for His
grace and repay it by humbly helping our brethren in their
material and spiritual need. If there be those who do not
understand or who do not wish to understand the Truth,
we must not feel irritated with them. They are as much
God's children as we are, and must be won over by love
and persuasion. We are all laborers in the Vineyard.
We are all engaged, as you know, in fulfilling the great
cause of the Great Master, which is the cause of God. We
must therefore form ourselves into a band of selfless work-
ers united in indissoluble bonds of love and fellowship.
We, the initiates, whether old or new, are all seekers of
the one God, and are equally dear in His eyes. The same
Master Power is helping us all alike. Should there be any
honest differences of opinion, we must try to resolve them
by mutual discussion in a spirit of good will and amity
rather than breed rancor and discord that may go to widen
the gulf between individuals and groups. In cases where
we cannot decide, the Master may be approached for final
decision. We stand for secularity and not sectarianism. In
the grand and glorious service of God there can be no
thought of high or low, for all of us are moved by a spirit
of true comradeship.
6. It is very necessary to distinguish clearly the ends
from the means. To lay too much stress on the means is
likely to make us gradually forget our objective and to
ENDS AND MEANS 277
become fossilized. Once we know, for example, that absti-
nence from all kinds of meat diet and spiritous liquors
helps us on the spiritual Path, it is enough that we avoid
them. But to take it as an end in itself is to miss the goal.
Offending others because they eat meat is worse than meat-
eating itself. Hate the sin, but love the sinner. Live and
let others live. Welcome those are who choose to come on
the way, but we have no right to hate or offend others be-
cause they eat meat. Vegetarian diet is essentially a help-
ing factor for those who would prefer to follow the teach-
ings of the Master. Hafiz, a great Saint, says, "Drink wine,
burn the holy scriptures, and put Kaba, the House of God,
on fire. You may do all this but never offend or molest
anybody." If you are really anxious to meet God you
should not offend or molest the heart of anybody, which
is the dwelling house of God. It may however be stated
that if one adheres to strict vegetarian diet, that will help
a good deal in having normal life, but does not necessarily
result in better tempers, controlled sex life or detachment
from gross thoughts, desires and actions, worldly am-
bitions, possessiveness, lust or greed. Kabir says, "If you
leave hearth and home and retire to a seclude.d place and
live on pure vegetarian diet, even then the mind does not
leave off its base habits." Alongside such essential and
positive aids, we must religiously devote regular time to
the spiritual practices of contacting the Light and Sound
so as to cut down the ramifications of mind, which is so
very necessary for self-realization and God-realization, and
mold our life accordingly. 1 would like to add that for
the aspirants on the Path it is but necessary that so long
as one is in the physical body, vegetarianism should be
strictly adhered to. The unholy may be sanctified and made
278 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
holy only when one is altogether above body-conscious-
ness. And relaxation in the matter of diet would not only
be a positive hindrance in meditations but would unneces-
sarily contract Karmic reaction. No doubt there is life
principle in all type of diets, yet in the vegetables it is in
the lowest form and as such the least harmful. The real
goal is to use every means possible to rise into full God-
consciousness.
7. Similarly the philosophy of Karma too has a specific
place in the system of Spiritual Science. But it should on
no account be made to induce morbidity and breed a spirit
of frustration among initiates and non-initiates. Man is the
maker of his own destiny. Though we cannot alter the past
yet we can forge the future as best we may. "Thus far and
no further" is the deadline which the Master draws for
each one of us and it should on no account be transgressed.
When you are put on the Path of true pure Yoga, you be-
come free of past holds of stress and tensions physical and
subtle. Calmness and harmony are experienced and puri-
fication and true detachment are only realized by the aver-
age man through the consciousness of the Saint, which if
a true Master gives through His Divine Grace, the heavy
mountainous loads of past actions become molehills and
molehills become nothing. Guru Nanak says, "What is the
good of coming to your feet. O Master, if our Karmic
debts are not nullified. It is no use taking refuge at the
feet of a lion if jackals still be howling on him." The Mas-
ter has to do his job and the initiates their own: to push
on with full confidence in the Master. There are too many
leaners on idealistic imagination amongst the initiates and
too few who practice. The meditation period should not
be one of pretty emotional feelings only. The initiates
ENDS AND MEANS 279
should surrender their all to the Master and be willing to
die and give up their life for God. "Learn to die so that
you may begin to live." The Master knows how to deal
best with it. Ours is to act well in the living present, as
enjoined by the Master. If we act up to His command-
ments, He will never forsake us till the end of the world.
But we feel, on the contrary, that after the Initiation we
are absolved from all obligations, and free to do what we
may by simply putting our trust in His Grace. This atti-
tude is a great stumbling block on the Path and retards
all real progress. It does not pay in the least to purposely
close our eyes in self-complacency to the stern reality of
the situation that places rights and obligations in equal
proportion on each and every individual. We cannot pick
and choose, as we may like. We must therefore guard
against such a frustrated mentality and have to work our
way ourselves for there are no short shrifts in the Science
of the Spirit. It is a long and laborious process of unfold-
ment for the spirit and we have of necessity to take care
of the higher values of life at each step if we are keen in
our search for Truth. It is a steep path which if we have
to tread without stumbling we must tread with our heart
forever fixed on the goal and on the steps immediately be-
fore us, for there is no time to look behind; it can only
make us shudder and tremble. Ignorance is the only dis-
ease from which the soul suffers. It can only be cured by
knowledge and the knowledge is the action of the soul
and is perfect without the senses, though on the physical
plane it cannot do without the service of the senses. True
knowledge only dawns on the supramental plane where
physical senses can be of no avail. But until that stage of
direct communication with the Radiant Form of the Mas-
280 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
ter is attained, one has to take care in every thing, for
the path is slippery and strewn over with hidden traps that
may at any moment catch the unwary pilgrim on the path.
Once one slips, the golden opportunity is lost and one
does not know when one may be able to get a human birth
once again. When we lay too much stress on the means,
viz., vegetarian diet and Karmas. we should lay still more
emphasis on inversion and withdrawal from the senses
and put in more time for the purpose.
Again, the Master, as you know, does not accept any-
thing for himself. All his personal needs he mets on
his own account. He has nothing to do with the voluntary
contributions of the Sangat or the brotherhood. These
funds constitute the public trust and must be utilized for
the public good in America and abroad everywhere when-
ever needed. This can be utilized in a constant flow of lit-
erature and current instructions from the Master through
the mail. We must remember that money cannot be used
to build a spiritual man. Money voluntarily contributed
by the followers can be used only by the Master for the up-
lifting benefit of thousands. All Masters did use such
money, for the propagation of their mission. Every initiate
must remember that if they receive any literature, etc.,
from the Master that they are only taking what was paid
for by someone else. We must see and think in a healthy
way about all this. There is no greater service than that of
putting people on the God-way that may ultimately take
them to the True Home of their Father. In the discharge
of the public obligations, we must needs be scrupulously
clean and chaste. Every penny that is spent for any of the
recognized purposes must be well spent and be properly
accounted for. The accounts of income and out-go should
ENDS AND MEANS 281
be periodically checked, audited and the nature of expenses
be thoroughly gone into, so that not a cent of the hard-
earned money of the initiates goes to waste and we are able
to fearlessly render account whenever called upon to do
so. We ought to avoid all grandiose schemes as may strike
our fancy and serve to pamper our vanity. The mission of
the Great Master aims at simple living according to the
relative values of life. The highest ideal of life being the
knowledge of self and the knowledge of God, all our acts
and deeds must be judged and measured by this touchstone
alone. If we live by the Law of God, the Law shall up-
hold us; and if we fail, howsoever little it may be, we
transgress the entire Law and are found and judged want-
ing in our ideals.
Last but not least I repeat what has so often been said,
time and again, "By love serve one another," for love is
the master key that unlocks the door leading to the King-
dom of God. Loving faith in God and selfless service of
His creation are the two commandments by which stand
all the Law and all the Prophets.
instructions for holding satsang was issued in De-
cember 1956 as Circular No. 4, under this title, and in-
cludes the basic guidelines laid down by the Master for
conducting Satsang meetings. Many of the specific injunc-
tions, however, have been modified or clarified by the Mas-
ter in later writings, particularly "How to Develop Recep-
tivity" (included in this book, see below) which should be
studied carefully in connection with this circular.
Instructions for Holding Satsang
Satsang, as the term implies, is association with Sat or
Truth. Satsang meetings should therefore be exclusive-
ly devoted to the discourses on Sat, which in its broader
connotation includes talks on God, Soul, Word, the re-
lation between Soul and God on the one hand, and Soul
and the Universe on the other, the God-Way or the path
of God-realization, and the Godman or Spiritual Master,
what He is, His need and importance, and His teachings.
It also includes discourses on allied topics like ethical life,
love, faith, compassion, and all that which makes way for
the healthy and progressive development of Divine Life
leading to efflorescence of spirit in cosmic awareness.
THE PURPOSE OF SATSANG
It must always be borne in mind that the actual awaken-
ing of the spirit is the work of the Master Power overhead.
The talks and discourses are just like refresher courses
which may help in the proper understanding of Sant Mat,
or the teachings of the Master, on the intellectual level;
for theory precedes practice. Both the initiates and non-
initiates derive immense benefit from such talks. In these
congregations, universal truths are brought home to all
alike. A spirit of universal brotherhood on the broad basis
of human beings as the children of one Supreme Father
is inculcated, so as to link all with the silken bonds of love
and amity. For the initiates, these talks serve as cementing
284 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
factors on the Path, clarify doubts and misapprehensions,
if any; and for the non-initiates, ground is prepared for an
inner search which may stimulate the inquisitive mind
and help the individuals in their innate craving for a Way
out.
The Highway of the Masters has been, is, and ever shall
remain the same for one and all. It is secular in char-
acter and everyone, whosoever, can tread it. There are
no turnpike gates of religion, faith, caste, color, creed,
nationality or avocation. All are welcome to it, even
though retaining their distinctive religious organizations,
social modes of life, and use of national language, etc.,
for the spirit or soul in man is above them all and remains
unaffected by outer pursuits.
SATSANG APART FROM RITUALS
The "Science of Soul" is just like any other science, but
more exact, more natural, more lasting, and the oldest of
all the sciences. It is the Science of Realized Truth directly
connected with the soul in man, and should therefore be
kept distinct and apart from rites and rituals, forms and
ceremonials; the performance or observance of which
keeps one tied down to the plane of the senses, and as such
must be strictly eschewed. Our discourses and talks in
Satsang should be confined only to explaining the Science
itself in lucid terms, without any outer embellishment like
lighting of candles, burning of incense, offering of flowers,
tinkling of bells, exhibiting photographs and the like. Even
though these may appear innocent and harmless in them-
selves, yet the seekers after Truth are likely to go astray
by such symbolisms and forms, and may get entangled
and lost.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOLDING SATSANG 285
SUBJECT AND SCOPE OF SATSANG
For the subject of a talk, we may take up the hymns
from any scripture, preferably from the Masters of the
Sound Current. It may be supplemented by apt quotations
from the parallel writings of other Master Saints. The Holy
Gospels themselves are full of such material as may fit
in with such a context. The illustrations from various Mas-
ters are essential so as to bring out the essential unity
in the teachings of all the Saints. We should not, however,
discuss the practical part of the Science. 1
Again, the subject itself should be of a non-controver-
sial type. It must strictly refer to the Spiritual Science. Its
exposition should be couched in terms that are loving and
create a fragrant atmosphere which may have a universal
appeal to the audience, without hurting the feelings of any-
one. At the conclusion of the talk there should be no
questions and answers in the open congregations. It should
not form a debating club. If anyone has to inquire any-
thing or wants elucidation on any particular point, that
can be done more happily in private. The thistles of doubt
and misapprehensions, if any, have to be weeded out with
a tender hand, and nobody should be allowed to remain
in suspense, for clearing of the mental ground is absolutely
necessary before sowing the seed of Naam.
The Satsang should end with meditation for some time,
say half an hour, in which all should take part, except for
an urgent and unavoidable reason. 2
1 For further comments by the Master on this subject, see
sat sandesh, May 1971, p. 32.
2 Master has since requested that the meditations take place
before the Satsang commences. See How to Develop Receptivity,
pages 386 and 387, below.
286 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
LOVE AND SERVICE THE BASIS OF SATSANG
The work of Satsang should be conducted in a dignified
spirit of love and service. Our thoughts, words and deeds
should radiate nothing but love and sweetness. As "Ser-
vice" precedes the "Science," our motto should be "Ser-
vice before self." We cannot adequately advance the in-
terests of any science, far less that of the Science of Rea-
lized Truth, unless we are prepared to devote our heart
and soul in its service, like a worshipful votary. The Sci-
ence will make headway of itself if we are true to ourselves
and truly offer to serve it.
In case of disagreement on any important issue among
the workers themselves, it is better to immediately refer
the matter to the Master for his decision, instead of in-
dulging in controversies that ruffle the feelings, cause un-
necessary tensions, and lead to unpleasant rifts. It is all
the Master's work and he knows best how to guide and
straighten out things. With friendly love, we can win over
even the dissidents to the Great Cause, and avoid defec-
tions. Love can surmount all obstacles and is a veritable
cure for all the ills of the world. The necessity for love
cannot therefore be over-emphasized in the service of the
Master's Cause.
EXTRACTS FROM HAZUR'S LETTERS
"It is very beneficial for the Satsangis to meet with each
other; it promotes their love and faith towards each other
and the Holy Master; it also gives stimulus to the spiritual
exercises. It helps to clear the doubts and difficulties of
other Satsangis. Combined Satsang serves a useful purpose.
It gives an opportunity for exchange of ideas. The Satsang
time is especially valuable in this: that it increases love for
INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOLDING SATSANG 287
the Master. In a large Satsang there are some advanced
Satsangis also who speak from their personal experiences,
and this helps in developing faith in others who may come
into contact with them.
"Karmas may be physical as well as mental. The gross
karmas are washed out by means of external methods such
as Satsang, reading of good books, as well as by the com-
pany of the Master; while subtle karmas are removed by
internal Sound Practice. Initiation is sowing of the seed,
which needs the water of Satsang and concentration for
sprouting, while love and faith are necessary for its growth.
"Meetings with the members will benefit them greatly.
Meet them all with love and affection, such that even a
dry, withered heart takes courage and flourishes."
INDIVIDUAL MEDITATION
A few words about individual meditation will not be amiss
here. A daily and regular practice of the three Sadhnas or
disciplines — viz., Simran, Dhyan, and Bhajan — as enjoined
by the Master, is of the utmost importance to achieve re-
sults. A disciple must do his or her part of the job and
the Master does his. It is for him or her to sit and do the
Sadhnas in an atmosphere conducive to progress, with a
sweet remembrance of the Master. He or she is not to pre-
suppose things or visualize results, for those will follow of
their own accord. We have but to sit in loving remem-
brance, with steady gaze fixed in between and behind the
two eyebrows, and do mental repetition of the Five Holy
Words, without any exertion or strain on the eyes or on
the forehead. Ours is to be an attitude of passivity, for the
Doer is One and only One: the Master, who is the best
288 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
judge of the time and measure and manner of each step
on the Path.
INITIATION — RECORDING OF INNER EXPERIENCES
Last but not least, I may add that the human memory is
very short-lived and in moments of weakness one, under
the pressure of ever-assertive ego, is prone to forget the in-
valuable boon the Master confers, and perhaps begins to
think that the spiritual results achieved are of one's own
doing, or due to over-zealousness and over-active imagi-
nation. At times one, for lack of practice, either does not
make progress or, in the mighty and irresistible whirl of
the world, loses contact with the word and begins to for-
get the great benefit conferred upon him or her at the
time of Initiation. To guard against all such lapses, it is
considered necessary that, in the future, each of the initi-
ates should, at the time of Initiation, be required to record
in his or her own hand, the actual inner experience gained,
both as to Light and Sound principles. The manifestation
from within of these principles, by helping the individual
spirit to rise above body consciousness, is the task of the
Master; and it is the paramount duty of the disciples to de-
velop the same by day to day practice — the injunction in
this behalf being, "Take heed therefore that the Light
which is in thee be not darkness!"
The disciples should therefore be encouraged to whole-
heartedly devote some time to the practice of spiritual dis-
ciplines; maintain regular diaries for introspection, show-
ing lapses in daily life and conduct, the endeavors made
and the results gained thereby; and they should be sent
regularly, after every three months, for the inspection of
the Master so that he may extend all feasible help and
INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOLDING SATSANG 289
guide us on the Path. If an initiate has any difficulty or
doubts, he or she should refer them directly to the Mas-
ter, as and when needed, instead of discussing with others
who are as ignorant as he or she is, and making the con-
fusion worse confounded.
Standing at the crossroads of Time, we must make a
firm resolve to do better from day to day; at least from
the New Year's Day that beckons us on with a promise of
rosy dawn. As there are landmarks on earth, so there are
landmarks in Time. The past and future are like sealed
books to us: the one is in the limbo of oblivion, while the
other is in the womb of uncertainty. It is only the living
present that is ours, and we must make the best use of
it, ere it slips away through the fingers and is lost forever.
Human birth is a great privilege and offers us a golden
opportunity. It is for us to make or mar the same, for it is
given to each individual to forge his or her own destiny as
best he may.
With lots of love and hearty best wishes to you all for
a bright and Happy New Year.
THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT OF THE VEGETARIAN DIET, issued
in July 1958 as Circular 10, under this title, has been re-
printed many times and in many places. It serves as the
Foreword to Dona Kelley's Scientific Nutrition and Vege-
tarian Cookbook, and was published in Sat Sandesh in
June 1970.
The Spiritual Aspedt of
The Vegetarian Diet
Everyone seeks rest and peace, but they remain as elu-
sive as ever. All our efforts in this direction come to
naught and prove fruitless. Why? Because we work on the
wrong lines. Man lives on two planes, the outer and the
inner. First, we have to settle things outside to bring peace
on the outer plane before we can enter within. There
are three factors that count a great deal in this connection:
Right Occupation
Right Conduct
Right Diet
The greatest purpose of human life is that one should
know one's self and know God, and all the rest is mere
dissipation.
"Sound mind in a sound body" is a well-known aphor-
ism. One has therefore to work for these before anything
else. We have to keep both body and mind in a healthy
condition before these can be used as instruments for
spiritual advancement. For this, we have of necessity to
resort to food. We cannot do without food for keeping the
body and soul together.
Our first and foremost problem then is food, for food
conditions body as well as mind.
292 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
Right Type of Food
Rightly Earned
Rightly Taken
helps a lot in this direction.
One must, therefore, earn his daily bread by the sweat
of his brow, as the saying goes, and should not depend on
others' earnings. We must for our livelihood engage in
some honest and useful pursuit, may be physical or men-
tal, but it must be free from all guile, hypocrisy, ill will and
animosity, for Karmic Law is inexorable in its working.
Every action leads to reaction and thus the endless series
rolls on interminably. Hence, the need for an honest liv-
ing, howsoever poor it may be. You cannot have riches
by honest avocation. Riches grow by the groans of the
poor and the downtrodden, the hewers of wood and the
drawers of water, and thrive on the lifeblood of our fellow
beings. We ought not, therefore, to run after rich foods
and dainty dishes, for these bring in their train much
blood-sucking and are tainted with the untold miseries of
the lowly and in the long run make us miserable as well.
All of us are being consumed
In the invisible fires of hell,
And yet know it not.
Food, as you know, is made for man and not man for
food. We have to make the best use of food like all the
other things of life. One who is a slave of the palate can-
not do anything useful. By a righteous control of the pal-
ate, we can control our entire physical and mental systems.
A simple diet is more nourishing and wholesome and con-
ducive to spiritual advancement than all the so-called deli-
cacies which the modern culinary art provides. It will al-
THE VEGETARIAN DIET 293
ways give a comfortable feeling and serenity of mind,
help you to live within your means however limited they
may be, without extending your hand before others.
When I was about to retire after my long government
sevice, I was asked by my Chief if I would like to have an
extension, but I politely declined the offer saying, "I don't
want any extension as I know how to arrange my affairs
within the limited amount of my pension."
Now, foods are of three kinds:
1. Satvik: Pure foods: milk, butter, cheese, rice, lentils,
pulses, grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts.
2. Rajsik: Energizing foods: peppers, spices, condiments,
sour and bitter things.
3. Tamsik: Enervating foods: stale foods, eggs, meat, fish,
fowl and wine, etc.
Out of the above, we should always prefer Satvik or
pure foods. These do a lot of good. Again, even of these,
we must partake a little below the saturation point of the
appetite. When we get delicious foods, we are tempted to
eat more than what is actually needed; and the extra food
taken, instead of giving extra health and energy, proves
baneful. The food which is not digested properly and as-
similated in the system causes colic pains and aches and in
some cases even cholera, and one has to pay with one's
life itself. "Do not overload the motor of your stomach,"
else you fall an easy prey to nausea. A surfeit of even what
is good does prove harmful at times. A moderation in vic-
tuals and viands helps in the growth of vital powers in
man. In the Puranas ( ancient Hindu scriptures ) there is an
allegory of the Food-god complaining to the Lord Vishnu,
the Sustainer of the Universe, that people misused him a
294 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
great deal. To this Lord Vishnu humorously replied,
"Those who eat you too much, you must eat them up, for
that is the only remedy."
Fresh air is the most essential part of our food. One
must take long breaths, retain them a while and then ex-
hale them out fully so as to cast out all the impurities of
the body. Besides, one must drink a lot of pure water and
take fruit juices to flush the system through and through
to make one clean. But avoid all types of hot and soft
drinks, spiritous liquors, and intoxicants, for they render
the mind and intellect morbid. Grains and fruits should
form our normal and staple foods.
Man, as said before, must earn his livelihood for him-
self by all fair, legitimate, and honest means. Again, it is
the moral duty of the housewife to cook the satvik food
with heart engrossed in sweet remembrance of the Lord.
A food cooked like this, with the mind entrenched in the
Beloved and the hands engaged in the work, becomes a
manna from heaven and proves a blessing to those who
partake of it. The Great Master, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh
Ji Maharaj, often used to give us an instance of an Indian
peasant with his hands on the plough but singing paeans
of soul-enthralling songs to his lady love. Such indeed
should be our attitude in these things.
In the year 1921, I was working as Accounts Officer in
the Sikh Unit No. 36. I got an orderly-cook in the field.
I told him that I would not mind what his life was in the
past, so long as he cooked my food while repeating the
Holy Names of God on his lips and did not allow anyone
to enter the kitchen and divert his mind in idle talk. The
cook promised to do this and everything went well for
two or three days, but on the fourth day as I sat for my
THE VEGETARIAN DIET 295
meditation I felt that my mind was not steady. In the mid-
dle of the night, I called the cook and inquired of him if
there was anyone else with him in the kitchen while he was
preparing the food. At first he denied it, but ultimately
confessed that a person had come and had engaged him in
conversation and thus diverted him from the sweet re-
membrance of God. He was warned against this and there-
after he always followed my behests scrupulously. This
then is the best criteria to weigh one's spiritual advance-
ment and the purity of the food-stuff that one takes, both
in procuration and in preparation.
Sheikh Saadi, a great mystic poet of Shiraz in Persia,
always preached to divide the stomach into four compart-
ments:
Two for filling with a limited quantity of simple
diet; one for pure and clear water; while re-
serving one for the Light of God.
We read of an incident in the life of Hazrat Mohammed,
the Prophet of Islam. One day a physician came unto him
and offered him his services for the sick and ailing in the
Vmat, the Prophet's following. He remained there for
about six months in idle indolence, as none of the Proph-
et's followers fell ill. He approached the Prophet and asked
for his permission to leave as no one there felt the need of
his services. Hazrat Mohammed, with a gentle smile on
his lips, said goodbye to the physician, saying: "So long as
the congregation followed the instructions, there would be
no chance of any of them falling sick, for they all lived
by one panacea —
To always eat a little less than what one may, in
his hunger, otherwise like to take;
To lead a chaste life with honest earnings.
296 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, a great Master in his time, used to
buy some loaves of bread or chapatis and would wrap
them in a piece of cloth and hang them on a branch of a
tree. He would devote himself to meditation all the day
long and when he would get up from his Samadhi, he
would take one loaf of bread, soak it in water, and partake
of it before going into meditation again. Whole wheat
bread is a complete food in itself and we deprive it of
vital elements by removing the husk and by grinding it
into white flcur by power-driven mills and thus destroy
the phosphorus and oil in the grains and make a terrible
mess of it.
I very often witnessed with my own eyes Hazur Baba
Sawan Singh's food which was always very simple and con-
sisted of just a few wholesome items in very small quan-
tities.
All the Saints live on a very frugal repast. So did Shamas
Tabrez, a Muslim devout, and Swami Shiv Dayal Singh Ji,
both of whom lived by the principle:
Eat Less and Remain Happy.
With a life of simple food and high thinking coupled with
high morals and chaste conduct, one needs no tonics which
glut the market in these days. The luxurious food not only
upsets the motor of the stomach but leads to dire con-
sequences that at times prove very dangerous. Very often
persons complain that they do not seem to progress on the
path, but little do they realize that it is due to faulty diet
and wrong living. Prophet Mohammed, we read, lived
mostly on barley-bread.
The satvik food keeps the head and heart free from all
types of impurities. We every day read that crime and
THE VEGETARIAN DIET 297
corruption are on the increase and various types of special
police squads are formed to meet this growing menace.
"Eat, drink, and be merry" is the order of the day. Every-
one wishes to have a good time in traveling and in visit-
ing places of enjoyment and in watching movies, etc., and
all beyond his scanty means. But how to get more money?
Nothing but Alladin's wonderful lamp can help you to it.
An honest man can hardly keep his body and soul together.
But very few can escape the temptations and snares of the
glittering world. Most of us live a lustful existence: some
suffering from the lust of eyes, others of ears, and still
others of various lusts of the flesh. We have no consider-
ation for the wives, daughters, and sisters of others and
follow them blindly. The world is in the grip of a fast-
growing retrogression.
"A man is known by the company he keeps." If you
want to know how your children are growing, have an eye
on their companions and from them you can easily judge
your children.
We have all been created by God. All of us are embod-
ied souls. Soul is of the same essence as that of God and
God is in all of us and we should, therefore, love one an-
other. That is what St. Paul taught all his life. It is written
in the Koran:
O human beings, do good,
Be good to your parents, relatives, orphans, the
needy and the poor,
your neighbors, and your fellow beings,
Such a life pleases Allah.
Allah is within each one of us,
The haughty one who is selfish is not cared for
by God.
298 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
A Master Saint always enjoins:
1. Love and reverence for all creation from highest to
the lowest.
2. Observance of non-violence even in the depths of the
heart.
3. Truthfulness.
4. Non-injury to one's feelings by thoughts, words, sym-
bols, and by deed.
5. Kindly treatment toward all.
6. Cheery temperament.
7. Faith in the innate goodness in man.
8. Avoidance from giving bad names to others.
9. Non-indulgence in slanderous and amorous talks and
idle pursuits.
10. Avoid accusations, for they boomerang with greater
intensity.
If one is keen for God-realization then one must not
hurt anyone's feelings, for heart is the seat of God. Have
you ever realized that a mango seed when embedded gath-
ers all the sweetness from the soil, while a pepper seed
attracts all the bitterness in it? As a man thinks, so he
becomes. Nothing is good or bad in the world, but our
thinking makes it so. We, like the one or the other of the
seeds, draw upon impulses from the atmosphere as suits
our own mental make-up.
We have in Mahabharata, the great epic poem of an-
cient India, that outer signs of a chaste and clean life are
good deeds. Just as a tree is known by the fruit it bears,
so is a man by what he does. This is a great teaching of a
great value. It helps a man to flourish and receive a good
THE VEGETARIAN DIET 299
name both here and hereafter. He will be the friend of all
creatures for he resolves not to hurt or kill any of them, not
even the humble bee nor the lowly ant. Such a person will
surely know the Truth one day.
Prince Dhrit Rashtra, the son of Kuru the mighty king
of Bharat, once hurled a rebuke on Gandiva, the great bow
of Arjuna, the Pandav Prince. Arjuna got angry and,
touched to the quick, put his arrow on the Gandiva. Lord
Krishna, who happened to be near at hand, asked Arjuna
what he was doing. Arjuna replied that he, as a Kshatriya
prince, had taken a vow "that if anyone would say a word
against my mighty bow, I would not spare him." Lord
Krishna said, "O Arjuna, could you tell me the fruit of
Dharma or Righteousness. Is it pain or pleasure?" Arjuna
replied that Dharma or Righteousness consisted only in the
resultant love and harmony. So one must first think of the
result before doing or even contemplating any deed. It will
certainly prolong one's span of life.
A person with a virtuous life will never entertain any
evil idea against any person and will never lose his temper
and get excited. Such a one gets longevity in life. The life
process is calculated by means of breaths. Normally,
breathing is going on very rhythmically — some ten to
twelve per minute. But when a person is in a paroxysm of
rage and is excited, he takes twenty to twenty-three breaths
in a minute. Thus there is a veritable truth hidden in the
saying that good deeds or virtues prolong life, while evil
deeds or vices shorten the span of one's life.
Remember, you may even do meritorious deeds, but if
you do not live a good moral life you are nowhere. Try to
live by the precept of the Master and then alone your
words can have weight with your friends. You cannot
300 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
preach of chastity with lust in your heart and a leer in your
eyes. You cannot dupe people for any length of time. Soon-
er or later the cat will be out of the bag. The public can-
not trust you blindly for long and take you at your face
value. Excuse me, if I were to question as to why societies
and preachers very often get a bad name: it is because
they do not live by the teachings they preach to others.
A Godly person is possessed with a right mind and a
right heart. He has both within and without a perfect
spring of peace. His dealings are fair, open, and unques-
tionable. Truth springs from the very bottom of his heart.
The audience is spellbound and gets a feeling of comfort
by hearing him, as his utterances are drenched from the
cooling effect of the loving and chaste thoughts within him
and everyone feels satisfied. A one among many, he stands
as a tower of strength, because of the purity of his heart.
Lord Tennyson, a great poet, speaking of Sir Galahad,
one of the Knights of the Round Table, puts in his mouth
the words:
My strength is like the strength of ten because
my heart is pure.
It is said that out of the abundance of heart a man speaks.
On the other hand, if a person is selfish and mischievous,
he cuts with his own axe the tree of his life on which he
sits with complacency. Everyone will be afraid of him and
live in terror of him. People dread even to see his face and
consider him an unlucky anathema.
A righteous person on the other hand has eyes on his
weaknesses and through self-introspection weeds them out
one by one. Swami Shiv Dayal Singh Ji advises that one
should pick up his failures one by one and cast them out.
THE VEGETARIAN DIET 301
All other Saints have said this thing in the same strain:
1 . Love thy neighbor as thyself.
2. Do unto others as you would wish them to do unto
you.
The whole of the religious philosophy hangs by these
two cardinal principles. If one puts before him these two
golden rules, his life will surely be transformed. The per-
son who has no element of sympathy in his heart nor a
human touch, is not fit to be called even a man and he can-
not know God. He who treats his enemies lovingly will
disarm them in no time.
Insofar as you can, try to do no injury to anyone. Be
good to all and you will be at peace with yourself and be
a radiating center of loving grace around you. The prayers
of others to whom you may have done good will help you.
The good thoughts of others will swarm around you with a
benediction. The very idea of doing good will first affect
you and draw all good vibrations from the surrounding
atmosphere.
In a nutshell, we have just laid a Panch Shila or five fun-
damental truths on which we can build the wonderful
mansion of spirituality. These are:
1. Non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
2. Truthfulness.
3. Chastity.
4. Love for all and hatred for none, irrespective of po-
sition, wealth, or learning.
5. Selfless service — physical and financial — and a will-
ing share in the joys and sorrows of others.
The Living Master cuts asunder the Gordian
knot of an initiate.
302 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
The disciple of the Master refrains from sins.
Those who will follow the above will enrich their lives
here and hereafter. They will control their mind and out-
going faculties by coming in contact with the living Word
of God through the living Master Saint.
the psychology of mysticism. First issued in August
1 961 as Circular 1 7 , this is the Master's clearest explana-
tion of this subject, including the importance of self-
surrender as a means of transcending the limitations of the
ego, and the identity of love and concentration. Little
known even among initiates, it is one of the supreme mys-
tical classics and should be read and re-read by all those
who are seriously interested in finding God in this life-
time. It was published in Sat Sandesh in August 1970.
Love, Concentration and Self- Surrender:
The Psychology of Mysticism
When one undertakes to reach a certain goal in any
field of human activity, it is necessary to take stock
of one's progress from time to time. It is only through
such stock-taking that one can become conscious of one's
shortcomings and errors, eradicate and uproot them and
plan out future progress. Having put our shoulders to the
wheel of the Great Master's Cause, it is necessary that we
should, in like manner, review our activity and achieve-
ment, from time to time. Without such self-analysis and
self-criticism, no real advancement is possible and it was
to encourage this practice and make it a daily habit that,
in the case of individual initiates, I insisted (and continue
to insist) that they maintain a daily record of their
thoughts, words and deeds and of the period of meditation.
What is necessary for us as individual initiates is even
more necessary for us as members of a large movement.
Reviewing the work done in the past few years, there
is much, I find, for which we may be grateful. Many have
shown remarkable capacity for selfless service and others
have made commendable progress on the inner path.
Nevertheless, while noting this with pleasure, I cannot
help observing the growth of tendencies which must be a
matter of concern for all of us. In spite of repeated ex-
hortations and persuasions, I find growing and springing
up amidst us the weeds of discord and disharmony. Com-
petition seems to have taken the place of cooperation,
306 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
rivalry that of love, and distrust that of trust and good
faith.
The emergence of such fissiparous tendencies has marked
the beginning of the decline of any great movement. Un-
less checked, they multiply and lead ultimately to serious
rifts and divisions. The original goal is completely for-
gotten in the heat of controversy and debate and the pur-
pose we set out to achieve lies wholly neglected. If we are
to escape this fate we must zealously watch ourselves and
rid ourselves of any undesirable traits that may be im-
perceptibly developing in us.
Why such disharmony should keep up is not difficult
to tell. The Master cannot be present in his physical per-
son everywhere and at all times. His mission must be
carried on with the assistance of his disciples. These
disciples are individuals inspired by spiritual longings who
have been put on the road, but who have not necessarily
reached the goal. The ultimate end is not easy to attain
and very few indeed reach it within this lifetime. The
Master's Cause must, therefore, be carried on with the
aid of men and women who, in most cases, are yet on the
path and have not attained perfection. Their vision is in-
dividual, not universal, and the viewpoint from which they
see and judge is limited by the degree of spiritual develop-
ment attained by them. When they are entrusted with any
responsibility it is inevitable that they should discharge it
within the terms of their own vision and insight. And
when in discharging this responsibility they have to col-
laborate with others like themselves, others whose view-
point is equally individual and distinct, the roots of dis-
cord begin. So long as they work directly under the guid-
ance of the Master, all is well, but the moment they have
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MYSTICISM 307
also to work in collaborating and cooperating, contro-
versy begins. They should understand that they are all
laborers in the field of the Master, working for promoting
the Holy Cause of leading the seekers to the Goal of Life.
The man who could see, could resolve at a touch the
contradictory statements regarding the elephant made by
the proverbial six blind men, but left to themselves, they
could only wrangle and debate: each considered that he
was right and the others wrong and each distrusted what
the others had to say.
If six men lacking full vision could not agree about the
nature of so limited and well-defined an object as an ele-
phant, it is not surprising that those with limited vision
should be unable to harmonize completely on so vast and
unlimited a subject as spirituality. And yet, while it is
natural for those who lack full vision not to agree fully
on such matters, we must not allow this limitation to create
division and dissension. For if we fail to find a remedy,
we will ultimately have to sacrifice the "Cause" which
brought us together, and what a great loss that would be.
There is only one remedy for all such discord and that
is Love. He who has not mastered its secret, can never
hope to be received in the Court of the Lord. It is the
beginning and the end of spirituality. He who understands
Love in its true nature and who lives and moves by its
light shall, surely as two added to two makes four, attain
the Lord.
Love and all things shall be added unto thee.
CHRIST
Listen! for I give you the very essence of truth:
Those who have loved have reached the Lord.
GURU GOBIND SINGH
308 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
Love knows selfless service, sacrifice, and self-surrender.
Let no one interested in spiritual advancement perform
service for the sake of appreciation. Selfless service is a
great reward in itself. It even sacrifices one's personal
interests for the cause one has sincerely taken up.
What is this love of which all mystics, Eastern and
Western, have spoken so insistently? Is it like the love of
the earth that we know? If you study the bonds of earthly
love, you will find that at some point or another a trace of
self-assertion is present in every case. Parent and child,
friend and friend, man and wife; each is involved in a
more or less strong drive for possession. It is a love that
can often rise to great heights of self-sacrifice and yet it
is a love that is not wholly selfless.
But the Love of which the mystics speak is a love that
must be completely purified of the self. If one has not at-
tained complete purification in this respect, one's love is
still not perfect and not truly acceptable in the eyes of the
Lord. And so the love of mystics is one in which one
completely and unreservedly surrenders one's self to one's
love. The seeker who, having found a true Master, has
developed such absolute love for him, steadily purifies
himself of all imperfections and makes himself a fit re-
cipient of Divine Grace. You may well ask why there is
this insistent stress on complete self-surrender on the
mystic path. The answer is simple: without this absolute
surrender of the last vestiges of ego and selfhood and
without such complete absorption in the object of one's
love, one cannot attain that unwavering concentration of
all one's faculties which is the prerequisite of all inner
progress. Absolute love and self-surrender are only other
aspects of complete and flawless concentration. The mo-
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MYSTICISM 309
ment the "self" enters into the picture and the question
of "I-ness" arises, the single-pointedness of concentration
is dissipated and inner advancement is made impossible.
Besides, the goal of the spiritual aspirant lies far beyond
the limits of individuality. His goal is union with the Ab-
solute and such union must necessarily be a denial of the
limits that separate us from each other. He who cannot
rise above the ego, the faculty which creates these very
limits, cannot hope to attain to that station which is the
denial of all individuality and a realization of the oneness
of all life.
Hence it is that mystics of all traditions have been
untiring in their stress of the need for absolute self-sur-
render. It was this cross of sacrifice of the self, the ego, of
which Jesus spoke when he exhorted his disciples to bear
their cross daily. For in every little act, word or thought,
the ego is seeking to dominate us and if the seeker is to
triumph over it, he must be prepared to crucify it every
moment. To achieve this degree of self-surrender, one
must not look up to the Deity in Its Abstract form but in
Its human form as the Master. For how else is one to
know God's Will directly, in order to surrender one's self
to it? What one may take as an intuition inspired by the
Divine may be really one's own self speaking in disguise,
and surrender to such seeming intentions may be really
surrender to the self, the ego. However, if one has found
a true Master, who is attuned to the Lord and is His
mouthpiece, and obeys him in all things completely and
absolutely, he will surely destroy the hydra-headed serpent
of the ego and reach his heavenly home one day. There
will be moments in the course of such love when one,
judging from one's own limited understanding, doubts
310 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
the validity of the Master's instructions, but such moments
are only tests to make our self-surrender more complete
and more secure, and he who passes through these tests
successfully, will one day radiate with the glory of God.
Such love and self-surrender to the Will of the Lord
embodied in the Master, has been the keystone of the
teachings of all mystics and especially so of Sant Mat.
Your main task as disciples, as initiates, is to cultivate
these qualities to the very utmost and leave the rest to the
Master. There will, of course, be moments of doubt and
of questioning, but if you can pass through them with
your love and your faith unscathed, you will find the spir-
itual road within steadily unfolding itself before you and
all things being added unto you. The path is certainly not
easy, but for one who has made such love the cornerstone
of his life, nothing could be easier or more certain. Jesus
never promised the peace and comfort with which the
world is familiar. It was the cross he offered. We have to
suffer; to reshape ourselves, to destroy the old and forge
the new.
We have to face the ridicule of our fellows and the or-
ganized opposition of orthodox institutions. But if we have
anchored ourselves in such a love of complete self-surren-
der, nothing can disturb the peace of our minds or dis-
tract the spiritual harmony that is ours. Initially, perhaps,
it is easier in the East to take to the mystic path than it
is in the West. There is in India for example, a long stand-
ing tradition of seeking and following a Living Master; a
tradition that is foreign to those to whom religion has been
taught in terms of a closed revelation. Nevertheless, this in-
itial advantage is not as great as it might at first appear.
For the essential advantage in the field of spirituality is to
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MYSTICISM 311
be found not without but within. It lies not in the absence
of outer opposition but in one's inner capacity for complete
self-surrender and love; and outward obstacles may in fact
act as tests and stimuli for the development of this ca-
pacity. This ability to conquer the ego and to submit one-
self to the Higher Will is as rare in the East as in the
West, and wherever it can be found there you shall ob-
serve the true grandmark of spirituality.
It is this capacity that you must cultivate and develop
if you really wish to make substantial progress in the spir-
itual field. I repeat that the path is not easy. You must
crucify your ego and lay your selfhood at the altar of love
for your Master. Rome was not built in a day and the
True Abode of the Lord is not to be attained with a few
weeks' labor. Most seekers want quick results. They want
miracles and sudden transformations. But the seed gener-
ates rapidly only in thin soil and then withers away. The
seed that must grow into the life-giving tree must grow
more slowly. The science of spirituality as it has been
taught by all Masters and as it has been given to you, is a
perfect science. Its truth has been demonstrated by some
initial experience. The rest depends on your effort. The
Divine Grace is ever ready to pour itself into the vessel,
but the vessel must first be ready. The power to perform
miracles is not very difficult to acquire, but it is not to be
confused with true spirituality, which must be paid for with
complete self-transformation and self-surrender.
This then is the task before you. If you aspire for spir-
itual salvation, then do not lose a moment in seeking to
reform yourselves. Man making is the most difficult part
of spirituality and if you have perfected yourself in that
field, then God realization is not difficult. Let your love
312 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
for the Master be absolute and your obedience to his
wishes uncompromising. Work for his cause to the best
of your abilities, but do not let the individuality of your
limited vision inculcate feelings of opposition and resent-
ment for your fellows. So long as one has not attained
universal consciousness, differences of opinion are bound
to exist. But if one has understood their cause, one will
not allow them to disturb one's peace of mind. Whatever
the outer opposition, whatever the opinions of others, if
one has surrendered oneself completely to one*s love, then
nothing can ever disturb one's equanimity or obstruct
one's spiritual course. He who is upset by what others
have to say is without question one who is still controlled
by the ego and has yet to conquer his self. He has yet to
learn the rudiments of spirituality.
Let me therefore, command you as a Father, exhort you
as a Teacher, persuade you as a Friend, to turn to the
reformation and conquest of the self if you seek to pro-
gress on the inner path. Try to help others and do the best
for them, but be not concerned with the fruits of what you
do. That is something that you must leave to the Master.
Make your love for Him so complete that, beholding His
Hand in everything, you rise above all feelings of enmity,
rivalry and resentment. See Him present in all and remem-
ber that He is always with you, ready to assist whenever
you turn your thoughts to Him. And above all do not
forget that He is to be won not by words but by deeds: "If
you love me follow my commandments." If you can do
this; if you can conquer the self and surrender it at the
Feet of the Master; if you can learn to see Him working
through all things; if you can accept the fact of your own
limited vision; if you can undertake a ceaseless and
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MYSTICISM 313
zealous watch over your thoughts and deeds, weeding out
all evils and imperfections — then you shall not only win
salvation yourselves but enable others to do likewise.
Your example shall shine like a torch in the darkness, and
men, even those who may first oppose you, will turn to
you for guidance and help. You will find a new sense of
peace surging through you, a peace that does not depend
on the absence of outer disturbances, but is an inner state
of mind that stands unshaken even in the most
tempestuous situations. And this same quality shall enter
not only your individual lives, but the larger life of the
Great Spiritual movement of which you are a part. Instead
of being disrupted and divided, it shall proceed single and
purposeful toward its goal.
No true Master has ever been interested in attracting
large numbers to Himself and quantity has never been my
aim. It is quality that counts and I would rather have a
handful of disciples, nay even one, who can sacrifice his
ego on the spiritual altar and learn to live by love, than mil-
lions who understand not the value and meaning of these
virtues. I have suggested this before, and I emphasize this
again that a seeker should be studied more carefully and
his/her background learned more before being recom-
mended for initiation. If, after understanding the basic
principles of the science, he is willing to undertake this
complete remolding of himself that its practice requires,
then and then alone can he become a fit recipient of initi-
ation. And how much more is this need for self-transfor-
mation to be stressed in the case of group leaders and rep-
resentatives. They are the foundations of the movement,
and if the foundations are weak, how shall the super-
structure stand firmly? Their responsibility is much greater
314 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
and their effort must be much greater than that of the
ordinary initiate. If they really loved me more than their
little selves; if they only knew how deeply I suffer when
I see them divided and wrangling, they would never have
permitted matters to come to such a pass. I am not happy
to say this, but I am left no choice.
The chief element that results in disharmony between
the representatives, group leaders and other initiates can
also be traced to the word "distrust" or some sort of fear
that some of them have acquired certain powers; viz.,
mind-reading or seeing or listening in on others at a dis-
tance, or psychic dominance over others, etc., which they
misuse. If any one misuses such powers, those are taken
away by the Master immediately. Moreover they are armed
with the repetition of five names by which they have no
cause to fear anyone.
Take it as an exhortation, take it as a command, but
from this day, this very moment, make love and self-
surrender (and the two, as I have already said, are really
one) the cornerstones of your life. Do this and you will
find your life becoming daily a blessing. I am always with
you, waiting for you to turn away from yourselves and to-
wards me. Let not the light that has been planted in you
become darkness, but let it flame forth into a blaze that
shall illumine the world. The path is strait and narrow
and difficult, very difficult and exacting, but for one who
is truly willing, every help is promised, and he can attain
the goal in this very life; a goal that sets all other goals to
shame; for beside it there are no goals at all, but empty
baubles and toys, at best half-way houses.
I know the initiates abroad are anxious to see me in
person, and I also long to be amidst them. You can well
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MYSTICISM 315
imagine how happy and jolly a father would feel amidst
his sons and daughters who are all loving and amicable.
I would therefore suggest that by the time I make a trip
to America, all initiates, including leaders and representa-
tives, make a special effort to live a pure, Christly and
Master-like life as is possible so that all initiates will stand
out amongst other men and women shining with love in
full bloom, and drenched in the sweet remembrance of
the Lord.
how to maintain ashrams was written on February
22, 1963, but was not issued publicly at first; a manuscript
copy was sent to Nina Gitana, Manager of Kirpal Ashram,
Calais, Vermont (at that time the only ashram outside of
India dedicated to the Master Kirpal Singh) for her per-
sonal use. In September 1964, after Sant Bani Ashram had
been established, Nina gave the present writer a copy so
that I could use it also; it was the first time 1 had seen it.
Greatly moved by it, we considered it as the Ashram con-
stitution, posting it in conspicuous places and reading it
at meetings periodically; we also mailed copies to prospec-
tive visitors, so that they could see in Master's own words
what he desired from their stay. When we went to India in
February 1965, I asked the Master for permission to print
it; he looked it over and graciously agreed. Since then it
has been continuously in print, and was published in Sat
Sandesh in September 1970.
How to Maintain Ashrams
The fast-growing spiritual activities of Ruhani Satsang
have led to the establishment of many Ashrams (centers)
in India and abroad. It is felt that some detailed instruc-
tions may be issued for the maintenance, scope and
smooth working of these places of divine dispensation. The
following principles are brought to the notice of all con-
cerned, for strict adherence, guidance and help.
1. "Ashram," as the term implies, means a place of
refuge — a spiritual sanctuary from where the gracious
Master Power has chosen to radiate its loving life im-
pulses for the benefit of the aspirants for spirituality. It
is a place where the hungry souls can congregate for spir-
itual advancement, in sacred precincts charged with the
right type of atmosphere conducive to spiritual growth. It
is, therefore, necessary that all those entering into such
blessed centers should leave behind all their domestic
worries and woes, all thoughts of the world and worldly
cravings so as to derive the maximum benefit possible
from the holy vibrations overhead and while there, they
do nothing in thought, word or deed, as may encroach
upon the sanctity of the place and retard their own prog-
ress.
2. It is an axiomatic truth that all is holy where devo-
tion kneels. The sanctified spots chosen for the purpose
should not be regarded as centers of a social or cultural
318 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
get together, where persons may meet for idle gossip and
indulge in unbecoming activities. It should be the en-
deavor of all to maintain and preserve sanctity of the
place chosen and reserved for the sacred cause of the Mas-
ter. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that all
initiates and others, including visitors to the Ashram,
should observe and maintain integrity, piety and sobriety
of the highest degree possible and try to serve one an-
other with reverential humility and loving grace, so as to
become fit channels of receptivity.
3. Like religious discipline, spiritual discipline is a fur-
ther step for the smooth working of the Ashrams and re-
quires of all an extra care in decorum. Here are no priests
to greet you, or help you to conduct any rites or rituals,
for they are not adopted there and have little to do in
the field of spirituality. It is only the outstretched guiding
Hand of the gracious Master Power, in all loving compas-
sion and mercy, ever ready to afford possible help and
guidance on the inner Path. What is required is silence,
serenity and seclusion. All are, therefore, expected to be
calm, cordial and composed; deeply receptive for the ever-
present grace of the Master. In the hushing silence and
thick verdure of green foliage, you will be blessed with
the white radiance of the Master Power. The rich fragrant
breeze will reveal to you the heavenly melodies of the
Audible Life Stream, reverberating through the charged
atmosphere. Each pilgrimage will bless you with soul-
stirring experiences of the divine vibrations.
4. The atmosphere within these premises, as said be-
fore, should be free from all idle pursuits and discussions
of non-spiritual subjects like politics, economics, philoso-
HOW TO MAINTAIN ASHRAMS 319
phy and the like. The place should be reserved solely for
contemplation of the sacred teachings of the gracious Mas-
ter, and the scriptural texts of the past sages and seers of
the Surat Shabd Yoga, for conducting discourses on spir-
ituality and practicing regular meditations both in the
mornings and evenings, for in such congregations the Mas-
ter Power is stirred to its deepest depths and one can gain
immense spiritual benefit.
5. The celestial gift of the Holy Naam, as you know,
is granted freely and in abundance like all other gifts
of Nature, viz., air, water, sunshine, etc. It is not the
practice to accept any donations from visitors, casual
inquisitic souls and others coming to the Ashram. The
expenses of the Ashrams should be met with from volun-
tary subscriptions from the initiates only, which they may
do. All such collections should be accounted for carefully
and the funds thus raised should be utilized for the propa-
gation of the holy teachings, with the concurrence and ap-
proval of the Managing Committee at each place. It is in
the fitness of things to keep regular account of incomings
to and outgoings from the Ashram funds, and periodical
statements thereof be forwarded to the Central Office at
Ruhani Satsang, Sawan Ashram, Gurmandi, Delhi-7
(India) for information and record.
6. "Selfless Service" is a great purifying agent and is a
powerful aid in spiritual advancement. All those who have
been privileged to be entrusted with the blessed task of
the maintenance of these Ashrams should set an example
of complete self-dedication in body, mind and spirit. He
who serves most with a spirit of self-denial and abnega-
tion is honored much and earns the pleasure of the Mas-
320 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
ter. Everybody attending the holy congregations should
compete in selfless service and reverential humility cou-
pled with loving cooperation and mutual toleration, so
that the people at large, visiting these places of divine dis-
pensation, should see for themselves that you are under
the protective and competent guidance of the living Master.
The sphere of selfless service should be extended beyond
the Ashram to the really needy — the sick and the helpless.
"Service" you should bring before "self which in turn ex-
alts the self to great heights. It should be free, voluntary
and in a spirit of loving dedication to the Lord, the in-
dweller in each heart. The "Self" should so expand as to
embrace the totality of which it is an integral part, for
in the welfare of all is indeed the welfare of the individual.
7. The members of the Managing Committees and the
Trustees are vested with the sacred task of helping their
brethren. The earning of one's livelihood by the sweat of
the brow is a cardinal obligation. So it is desired that all
should try to support themselves by resort to honest oc-
cupation earned only by honest means. There is, however,
no harm in economical utilization of the Ashram funds in
serving simple, strictly vegetarian and nutritious food to
those coming from outside stations after Satsangs, for
which, of course, proper accounts are to be maintained.
8. There should be a small library equipped with litera-
ture published from time to time or as may be recom-
mended by the Master. All such books carry His life im-
pulse and as such they are truly charged and will enable
the dear ones to understand the true import of spirituality.
9. Equality, fraternity and liberty are the cornerstones
of spirituality. All entering the blessed precincts should
HOW TO MAINTAIN ASHRAMS 321
forget about their status in life, and cooperate with a sense
of the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God.
There should be no distinctions of rich or illiterate as all
are the children of the same Father and are entitled to
share the divine grace in equality. The Kingdom of God
is the heritage of all and everyone is entitled to the lost
domain.
10. The differences of opinion arising out of certain is-
sues, should be resolved by amicable and polite discussions
in private and in case of any knotty problem, reference may
be made to the Master for clarification. Loving tolerance
should be the guiding principle, for who is there who
would not err.
1 1 . All should know it for certain and inscribe on their
heart of hearts that the Unseen Eye of the Master is con-
stantly watching the spiritual interests of His children, and
all endeavors for maintaining the sanctity of these places
will enable you to be blessed with ever-increasing grace.
The acts of omission or commission outside these sanctu-
aries may be pardoned, but lapses in personal behavior
or otherwise in these places of divine dispensation are con-
sidered to be too heinous and cannot possibly be pardoned,
as they spoil the sanctity of the place.
If you will observe the aforesaid fundamentals by assim-
ilating their serene sense, you will surely be blessed with
the protection of the Lord.
With all love,
KIRPAL SINGH
service before self was issued as Circular 29 on Feb-
ruary 21 , 1964, just three weeks after the completion of
the Second World Tour. It appeared in Sat Sandesh in
October 1970.
Service Before Self
Dear Ones:
With the unbounded Grace of my Master, it has been
possible to complete successfully this phase of the
Master's Mission, which took about eight months of con-
tinuous touring in so many countries of the West. The
loving assistance from all quarters was a source of great
delight and inspiration, and rendered the task much easier.
I am really thankful to all who took great pains in organiz-
ing the tours, planning programs, arranging daily talks
and meetings, and helping me in diverse ways to carry
the spiritual message to seekers after Truth.
The work of Ruhani Satsang has considerably increased
with the establishment of new centers in many places
abroad. It would be to the fitness of things to manage the
affairs in a more constructive manner. I would therefore
like to give you valuable advice in the larger interests of
your spiritual progress and ethical growth.
Love, Life (strength) and Light (intelligence) are the
holy attributes of Supreme Power — the Holy Naam — the
God-into-Expression Power. This is the Holy Trinity, and
It is manifested to the fortunate few who develop spiritu-
ally under Divine Guidance. These virtues reflect the inner
development of the spiritual aspirant and are granted as a
gracious gift by the Master. The holy meditations on the
Light and Sound Principle bring a radical change in our
outlook upon the earth life, and hazy doubts and skepti-
324 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
cism are put to naught when we awaken to the Divine Call.
One enters into a new world, full of astral projection,
where the gracious Master Power is shedding gracefully
all bliss, peace and harmony. Inner receptivity, which
grows gradually by implicit obedience and loving devotion,
reveals the untold treasures of Divinity already existing
therein.
An affectionate schoolteacher would welcome more dis-
cipline for the few bright students who show keen aptitude
for intellectual growth. How much more cautious and vigi-
lant would the Living Master be for the all-round spiritual
growth of his children whom he has accepted under His
Divine Will. The disciplined initiates are privileged to en-
joy divine guidance in their everyday life, and in turn be-
come a source of help and inspiration for their less gifted
brethren. The initates are blessed with the charming Radi-
ant Form of the Master within and can benefit from His
unerring guidance. He is most eager and keen for your
progress. Better avenues of prosperity open for the truly
sincere and yearning souls, and many dear ones have borne
testimony to this sacred truth.
The representatives and group leaders have a significant
responsibility for managing the affairs of Satsang. They
are the chosen few from amongst the selected many put
on the Holy Path and accordingly deserve special atten-
tion. They, being the torch bearers, are required to be
shining examples of Truth, Love and Simplicity. True liv-
ing does not warrant any show or artificiality, but is a sim-
ple life full of selfless service and piety. The basic necessity
in this behalf is to stand on one's own feet, which means
earning one's own living, by the sweat of the brow, for the
maintenance of oneself and family. It has a deep signifi-
SERVICE BEFORE SELF 325
cance, and all Masters stressed the importance of such
honest living, which builds a healthy and contemplative
body and mind suitable for spiritual growth. The finer
tissues of the physical body are manufactured through a
smooth and harmonious blood circulation. Peace and se-
renity fall to the share of the honest and earnest.
The initiates are advised to render selfless service physi-
cally, financially and intellectually, for their inner spiritual
progress. Physical service simply means the observance of
strict control over body and mind, service to the sick and
needy, and leading a clean, chaste life, which purifies the
entire system through and through. Financial service falls
into the category of donations and offerings, which grant
expansion of the heart and broadmindedness. One enjoys
the exclusive right of Sonship of God while knowing fully
well that all others are the children of the same Father, and
inculcating the loving bonds of fraternity. The distinctions
of high or low, rich or poor, vanish. Intellectual service
grants further impetus and personal conviction for the
Path of Righteousness and selflessness. Evidently, all this
commences with the physical health of the body, which is
built from the intake of food and allied necessities of liv-
ing. Mystics have practiced penances and austerities for
attaining spiritual discipline, but the Masters of the Highest
Order have laid a far healthier law for attainment of the
same target. They have forbidden the use of anything for
ourselves which does not belong to us or to which we have
no legitimate right. Such high living grants both continence
and contentment, the two strong pillars on which the lofty
edifice of spirituality is erected.
It is a well-known aphorism that a tree is known by the
fruit it bears. The seeds of spirituality have been sown far
326 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
and wide and a plentiful harvest is an assured reality. All
that is now needed from the workers — the representatives,
the group leaders, the well-wishers and the sympathizers
in the holy cause — is to work selflessly in a spirit of loving
cooperation, good will and sincere earnestness, and attend-
ing to the needs of all and sundry in the Cause of the
Master, regardless of whatever may come in the way.
Service before self counts for much on the Path of the
Masters. The little self or ego within has to be eliminated
by dissolving it into service of humanity. For all are chil-
dren of one God, no matter how and where situated, or in
what inhibitions and limitations of one kind or another
they might be living. You may have to face heavy odds, for
it is an uphill task, but all adverse winds blow over. If one
is able to efface oneself for a higher cause, this in itself
provides a shield and a buckler to the true crusader, and
helps in overcoming the seemingly insurmountable obsta-
cles. The tougher the struggle, the brighter shines the metal
within. This helps to liberate the finer instincts, until one
has risen to a great spiritual stature, towering like a bea-
con light, shedding rays of hope and encouragement to the
lone and weary traveler, shipwrecked on the stormy and
strife-riven sea of life.
Success in spirituality is not the difficult task which most
of us take it to be or make it to be; but it does require
patient self-purification, a watchful introspection, a careful
weeding out of all undesirable elements present and a
pruning of outspreading ramifications; and above all
timely tending and nurturing of the tender spiritual sapling
as it sprouts from the soil of the human mind. This work
hangs on the shoulders of every one of you and I am sure
that you are fully alive to your responsibilities and obliga-
SERVICE BEFORE SELF 327
tions in this behalf, which in your case are two-fold: one
to your own self and the other to your brethren, the new
initiates on the Path, and the skeptical and wavering all
of whom look to you for day to day help and guidance in
all their difficulties, temporal as well as spiritual.
It is of paramount importance to those who have to
give the lead, to be aboveboard in every respect, so that
no one has an opportunity to raise even his little finger in
censure or be misled by any action. Do nothing that may
be unbecoming to the Great Cause which you have vol-
untarily and gleefully espoused. Work as a living embodi-
ment of the God Power, making It a sheet anchor for
keeping a steady keel in all your endeavors. It will pro-
tect you from all temptations of name, fame, worldly gain
or the like, for all of these are apparently very alluring and
beckon siren-like to you, but at the bottom they are truly
baneful and in no time will hurl you to abysmal depths,
if you succumb to them.
Truth is above all, yet true living is higher still. A clean
life, with a frugal living from your own earnings will release
a tremendous spiritual force within you, and will enable
you to shoulder the task that God has put on your way.
You can accept as custodians all the voluntary donations
which may be given for furthering the Master's Mission.
These must be carefully and reasonably spent for the
Mission work alone, keeping proper account of the same.
May Hazur bless you in your work.
My best wishes are always with you all.
With loving thoughts for healthy harmony of body, mind
and soul,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
the way OF love is a letter sent primarily to the Cali-
fornia disciples through the agency of a California initiated
couple who were returning home after a stay with the Mas-
ter. It appeared in Sat Sandesh in November 1970 under
the present title.
The Way of Love
Dear Ones:
You have been all along on my mind and your sweet
remembrances have always been fresh by the presence
of dear .
I send you my loving message.
Human body is a precious asset granted to you all. It is the
highest rung in God's creation. The highest object of this
earth life in human form is to realize our own selves and
then realize God. It is such a noble task, which can only
be accomplished in the human body. Soul is a conscious
entity, a drop of the Ocean of All Consciousness, and in
its miniature capacity carries all the divine attributes of
Godhood. Since it is environed by mind and matter, it
has lost its heritage and forgotten its origin, the True
Home of the Father. The Masters come to our help, to
awaken us from this long slumber of ignorance. All the
past Masters including Christ have been stressing the im-
portance of this inner development of soul. An unbiased
study of scriptures will reveal to you that the Masters have
been coming to this earth planet in all ages for the guid-
ance and deliverance of child humanity. Those dear ones
who were privileged to sit at their holy feet enjoyed the
rare bliss of inner communion with them. The imperative
necessity of such a Master-soul is still felt by such loving
souls who yearn to meet Him during their lifetime. The
eternal law of demand and supply continues working for
330 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
all time. So it is under divine dispensation that a living
Master comes for rendering feasible assistance and guid-
ance for such ready souls.
It is in accordance with the execution of the Divine
Plan that I have been assigned this noble task of assisting
all dear ones in the fulfillment of their cherished goals. I
would love to assist them in this respect. It is the Divine
Grace of my Master that whosoever had the good fortune
of seeking inner life has been blessed with the conscious
contact of the Holy Naam within. The Holy Initiation into
the Mysteries of the Beyond is a unique start for further
development. Most of you have been blessed with this rare
gift of heavenly nature with the Grace of the Master. Now
it is up to you to develop it from day to day by regular,
faithful, and accurate meditations. I am glad that most of
you have been devoting regular time for your holy medi-
tations and enjoying inner bliss and harmony. I wish you
more of success in your ventures.
I would stress the importance of self-introspection, for
which the maintenance of the diary has been prescribed.
A keen vigil and careful living is an essential helping
factor for inner progress. A disciplined life by having
complete control over the senses, which in turn overpowers
the soul, should be cherished. The inner divine links of
Light and Sound are most helpful for controlling the
senses. If you will follow these divine principles, the inner
change of life will follow automatically. Truth is above all,
but higher still is true living. You should love one another
so that others may see and know for themselves that you
belong to the Master.
God is love and love is God. The way back to God is
also through love. You should always remember this di-
THE WAY OF LOVE 331
vine principle: that love begets love. The Father is always
pleased to see the loving children laying their heads togeth-
er for the common Holy Cause of the Master. When two
lovers of the Master meet, they grow in loving devotion
and right understanding.
Satsang is a great helping factor for spiritual progress.
It is the Divine Grace of the Master which radiates in such
holy congregations where the dear ones get together for
imbibing the sacred teachings. I would say that it is an
arena where spiritual stalwarts are built. The loving life
impulses are radiated in great abundance by the gracious
Master Power in these gatherings. You can derive immense
spiritual benefit by getting together in his Name.
My heart goes out to all you dear ones. You see, dis-
tance is no barrier for the Master Power and anywhere
the yearning souls would pray for his guidance, he would
materialize and bless you through and through. Time and
tide wait for no man. Make hay while the sun shines. You
should always hie on your Holy Path irrespective of world-
ly gains or losses. You will appreciate that after all every-
thing is to be left behind at the final hour of death, and
only the Holy Naam will accompany us into the Beyond.
You know very well the supreme importance of regular
meditations. The more you are developed while living
here, the more of the inner journey is covered in the Be-
yond. Know it for certain that you are here in this mortal
world only for enjoying the rare bliss of Holy Naam. God
and Master (God in man) first; all else secondary. It is
the Bread of Life which must be partaken regularly so
that your souls may become strong enough to pass through
the vicissitudes of physical life. Love is the panacea for
all ills. Please give up all remorse and resentment and live
332 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
cheerfully. You should remember that nothing binds the
human soul more than drooping spirits of morbidity. Al-
ways keep cheerful, resigning yourselves to the Will and
Pleasure of the Master. You should know it for certain
that you are under the gracious protection of the Master
Power and He is ever with you through and through.
One learns swimming in water. You must be alive to
your mundane obligations and try to meet with the chal-
lenge as best as you can and leave the rest to Him. If you
will keep the target of your spiritual progress in the fore-
front, the pinching effect of worldly pains will be lost with
the Grace of the Master. An elegant horseman keeps both
of his feet well fixed in the stirrups. If you will run God-
ward, all else will follow of its own accord. A disciplined
life is an asset; make it a principle to be always happy,
cheerful and grateful.
Prayer and gratitude are akin. There is much to be
grateful for, if we only just count the manifold blessings
granted to us by the Master Power. A healthy physical
body, strong enough to attend to mundane obligations, and
a sound mind purified by meditations in the Holy Naam
are perhaps the superb blessings. Always radiate loving
compassion for others which will invoke divine grace, and
your heart will be purified.
I would reiterate that our days are numbered, and be-
fore the great final change, viz., death, comes, the initiates
should develop rising above body consciousness by attun-
ing their souls with the Holy Naam. If you will take one
step, He will come down hundreds of steps to greet you.
Each and every moment spent in holy meditation stands
to your spiritual credit.
With these few words, I conclude and send you all my
THE WAY OF LOVE 333
love and best wishes for your spiritual progress.
Thank you, dear ones.
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
by love serve one another, issued on June 6, 1967,
is the first of the powerful circulars sent out by Master
during that year (although it could be said that the New
Year's Message, Birthday Message, and message of April
2, 1967, all of which are included in Spiritual Elixir, are
part of the same series). The previous year had seen a seri-
ous rift develop among the Master's disciples; while the
disagreement involved only secondary matters (primarily
organizational) it interfered seriously with the spiritual
growth of the disciples, and this series of circulars was is-
sued in response. This one was first published under the
present title in Sat Sandesh in June 1971 .
By Love, Serve One Another
How fortunate you are that you have been initiated
into the secret inner Path leading to the Kingdom of
God; the - Kingdom that comes not by observation (with-
out), but that which lies within you. Know you not that
you are the temple of the Holy Ghost? Verily you are so,
and you have witnessed within yourselves the primal mani-
festations of the Godhead, no matter at what level, ac-
cording to your mental makeup and the receptivity devel-
oped by you. You have seen what many prophets and
righteous men desired to see but did not see, and you have
heard what they desired to hear but did not hear.
God is Spirit and can only be worshiped in Spirit. You
must therefore try to rise over and above the body con-
sciousness and strive to arise into the consciousness of the
higher order — I mean spiritual consciousness — rather than
remain tied to your own persons or in fact to any other
person, howsoever great he may appear to be in his own
eyes or in the eyes of others. Principles are higher, much
higher, I would say, than personalities. Persons may come
and go, personal cults may linger for a while, yet princi-
ples, the spiritual values, last and last beyond time.
Your main concern should now be to develop the inner
experience granted to you. Love the God-in-action Power
with all your mind, with all your heart, with all your
strength and with all your soul. This will enable you to
expand beyond all measure, so as to embrace the totality
336 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
of His Being, far above party affiliations, party politics
and all politickings.
A tree is known by the fruit it bears. Do glory unto the
God-Power and you shall be glorified in return without
any effort on your part. That is the law. And again, a fruit-
laden tree bends with the weight of the fruit it bears. Try
to cultivate and attain the divine virtues of love, humility
and understanding for all. Who is there under the sun
who has no failings and shortcomings? With all our right-
eousnesses, we are but filthy rags. Be polite and courteous
with all. Courtesy costs you nothing but it pays rich divi-
dends. Human heart is verily the seat of God and must be
kept sanctified at all times and at all costs, no matter what
the sacrifice. Learn to live peacefully and amicably with
each other, giving due regard to the feelings and sentiments
of others. "By love serve one another" should be your rule
in life. A loving service adorns both the server and the
served alike.
The above injunctions apply equally, nay with greater
force, to the Group Leaders and Representatives of the
Master, for they have to set a better example to all those
who are within the sphere of their influence. They must
know that they are just instruments in the Divine Plan and
not the flywheel running the plan itself; and unless they
work smoothly in loving harmony and cooperation, they
are bound to generate heat by constant friction, damaging
not only the quality of the work but even themselves.
Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its
savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good
for nothing. Should the protecting hedge itself start nib-
bling the farm enclosed in its fold, you can well imagine
BY LOVE, SERVE ONE ANOTHER 337
what would remain of the farm: a pestilence-stricken arid
ground of no consequence.
It hardly serves any useful purpose to cast aspersions
upon anybody or assign motives to whatever one says or
does, for it is not given to us to read anybody's mind when
we cannot read even our own. Judge not, lest ye be judged
and found wanting in the Divine Scales. Therefore, arraign
not anybody, much less your colleagues and brothers in
faith. In the case of honest differences of opinion, which
sometimes may arise, try to iron them out lovingly and in
private, rather than wash the dirty linen in public meetings
and public places, spreading a nauseating foul smell around
you. If you cannot do so between yourselves, for one
reason or another, you will do well to refer the problem to
the Master for solution and reconciliation of the apparent-
ly divergent views. I, therefore, enjoin on all of you to
keep loving and friendly relations among yourselves as
children of the same Father and do not do anything that
may make anybody raise a pointing finger at you and
bring disrepute to the Highest Knowledge — the Science of
the Beyond — which you have come by after an evolution
through ages past. "Ye are the light of the world" and
hence should keep this light aloft on the hilltop so that
those who see it, even from a distance, are encouraged to
seek you for advice and bless you for your sage counsel
and the Master Power that helped you to it. As such, you
are to help your brothers in faith, keeping them firm in
their loving devotion to the Master instead of coming in
between them and the Master — for all belong to Him.
All of us are, in fact, fruit-gatherers in the vineyard of
the Master. We have nothing in us to recommend us to His
Grace. The puppets in a pantomime show dance not by
338 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
themselves but by the wire-puller behind the screen. To
assume any importance, in doing the Master's work, is
not worthy of noble souls, as you are.
We are all of the Master and for the Master, but not
the Master — Gurbhais and not the Guru, for Guru-Power
is only in one commissioned from above. The Master
knows best how to carry on the Divine Plan. Let us, there-
fore, submit our individual wills to His Will and not ap-
propriate to ourselves any credit for the gifts freely and
lovingly bestowed upon us by Him. After all, what is there
in the conduits that simply pass on the refreshing and life-
giving water that comes from the overhead reservoir (the
Master Power).
The greatness of the Master is not to be judged by the
strength of his folowing or by the outer glamor of his
court. He is not after wealth nor after name and fame nor
after the numbers that follow him. He, standing on the
hilltop, knows in what hearts the fire of anguish is smoul-
dering and, like oxygen, comes in so many diverse ways
to fan the flames of loving devotion in them. So nobody
should feel that he or she is indispensible and therefore put
on airs which others may resent or cavil at. Remember that
we cannot add to or detract from the glory that is His. If
we can be of any service in His Cause, that may, on the
contrary, be taken as a privilege coming from Him in His
Grace.
In the end, I hope that every one of you, whatever your
position in life, whatever your place in the administrative
setup for furthering the Holy Cause, will contribute his
mite, as best as possible, in a spirit of loving and selfless
service and try to enrich himself inwardly by living in
peace and amity in his respective circle, radiating nothing
BY LOVE, SERVE ONE ANOTHER 339
but fragrance to all around him, as so many children in
the one Grand Family of Man.
One thing more, which I cannot help but emphasize for
the benefit of all the dear ones on the Path. If at all, any
of you, at any time, feel that you are the most favored in
divine manifestations, you should try to exercise restraint
and observe decorum in society, rather than be carried
away by the emotional tide that may take you off your
feet. Humility is the first and last adornment that em-
bellishes the noble soul.
My best wishes are ever with you and nothing will give
me greater pleasure than to see you all, well set on the
spiritual Path, with appreciation of each other, moving
shoulder to shoulder, forming one spiritual phalanx so
that those who see you will admire you and get inspiration
from you.
Wishing you, one and all, God-speed on the God Way.
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
BY LOVE, SERVE ONE ANOTHER 339
but fragrance to all around him, as so many children in
the one Grand Family of Man.
One thing more, which I cannot help but emphasize for
the benefit of all the dear ones on the Path. If at all, any
of you, at any time, feel that you are the most favored in
divine manifestations, you should try to exercise restraint
and observe decorum in society, rather than be carried
away by the emotional tide that may take you off your
feet. Humility is the first and last adornment that em-
bellishes the noble soul.
My best wishes are ever with you and nothing will give
me greater pleasure than to see you all, well set on the
spiritual Path, with appreciation of each other, moving
shoulder to shoulder, forming one spiritual phalanx so
that those who see you will admire you and get inspiration
from you.
Wishing you, one and all, God-speed on the God Way.
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
humility, the second of the 1967 series, was issued on
July 1 of that year, and served as the Master's message for
the birth anniversary of Baba Sawan Singh. One of the
most popular of Master's short writings, it is distinguished
by an exceptionally acute analysis of the psychological com-
ponents of humility and a clear differentiation between
genuine humility and its false counterpart. Reprinted many
times, it appeared in Sat Sandesh in July 1971.
Humility
Dear ones: On this auspicious day of the Birth Anni-
versary of Hazur Maharaj Baba Sawan Singh Ji, I
send you one and all, my heartiest wishes for your progress
on the spiritual way back to the Home of our Father —
through the Natural Yoga of Light and Life and Love —
the Surat Shabd Yoga.
In my previous years' messages, I have been mostly
dwelling on rising above body consciousness, to be reborn,
and to learn to die while alive, etc., so as to enable one to
enter the Kingdom of God, which is within us — as pre-
scribed by all the past Masters now come to us through
His Benign Grace. There are many aspects of His Divine
Life, but I will now dwell on the two most important ones,
viz., humility and simplicity — the most needed at this hour,
which if followed will set our lives in the right direction
and enable us to achieve perfection.
All Masters, such as Jesus, Mahavira, Buddha, Kabir
and Nanak, etc., of the past, and Ramakrishna, Hazur
Baba Sawan Singh, Sadhu Vaswani, etc., of recent days,
radiated this divine luster from their personalities.
Man knows so many things, but he does not know him-
self. A man has so many sheaths in himself, covering the
depths of his heart. Man learns and unlearns all through
life. It is wiser to remain a student than to be a teacher; a
student of the Mystery of Life.
A parable goes to say that a seeker of God, in the quest
342 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
of Heaven, wandering here and there, found himself per-
chance at the Gate of Heaven. The gatekeeper asked him,
"Who are you?" The seeker answered, "A teacher." The
gatekeeper asked him to wait, and went in to report. After
a while he returned and said that he could not let him in,
as there was no place for teachers in the heaven-world.
He was told to go back and wash the dust of dead words
clinging to him in the waters of Silence.
So many teachers are vain; they parade their learning.
How can there be a place in there for him who lives in a
world of vanity?
Every day he sat in the silence and listened to the words
of Saints, and his self-consciousness began to develop,
and he became humble, and prayed to be the servant of all
men, lonely and lowly ones, and animals — a servant of
God's creation. Then the portals of Heaven were opened
and he entered in and beheld the Master's face: pure and
fair beyond compare.
All the Masters of the past and the present say that,
"The Kingdom of God is for the humble of heart." So
many of us, alas, are proud, vain; in ego lost; and blind
to the wisdom, we do but wander from darkness to dark-
ness.
The God that rules millions is the ego; enthrone on your
heart the God of Love, and cease to wander — and what
should be done to do so? Become humble as ashes and
dust.
The world is full of the proud of purse or power or
learning. Whereas, we should be humble and simple and
empty ourselves of all "self" that the Lord might do with
us what He would.
The life worth living is life in the Spirit. Its basis is hu-
HUMILITY 343
mility. We should be reduced to a cipher and God becomes
all. "Let us be perfect as our Father is in Heaven."
The truly humble are the truly happy. For want of hu-
mility, men and women are leading an unbearable, mis-
erable life. All this misery is from within. It is not a change
in our circumstances, but deliverance from the thraldom
of the self, the petty "ego" that sits a tyrant, robbing us
of the bliss that is our heritage as children of God. We
are, as it were, in a cage of self-centeredness, and until
this prison is opened by the key of humility, the swan bird
of the Soul is not free and cannot swim to the regions of
radiance and joy.
The way to true blessedness is the way of humility and
love. He who is humble has no problems. He has God as
his Guide. Significant are the words of the shepherd boy
singing in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress:
He that is down need fear no fall,
He that is low, no pride;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide.
I am content with what I have,
Little be it, or much;
And Lord, contentment still I crave,
Because Thou savest such.
Rightly has it been said that if there were no humility in
the world, everyone would long ago have committed sui-
cide.
When the light of humility dawns on the soul, the dark-
ness of selfishness disappears and the soul no longer lives
for itself, but for God. The soul loses itself in God, lives
in God, and is transformed into Him. This is the alchemy
344 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
of humility. It transforms the lowest into the Highest. The
great Chinese sage, Lao Tse, expressed the thought in
beautiful words:
How does the sea become the king of all rivers
and streams?
Because it lies lower than them.
St. Augustine said the way to God is, "First humility, sec-
ond humility and third humility." He who is proud of
possessions or of learning or of authority will not go to
any Saint unless he is humble. Even if he goes to the
Saint, but considers himself superior to Him, he will not
listen to Him. A glass which is kept above a tumbler of
water will remain empty — until it is put below the tumbler.
You know what you know; just listen to what the other
says. Perhaps we can learn something from him.
Yes, the branches of a fruit-laden tree bend of their
own accord. Even so, the man who, losing himself, finds
God — finds Him everywhere and in everyone — bends
before all, offers homage of his heart to all. This is true
humility. It is not a forced sense of lowliness. Such a one
lives in unity with all. He is in others and others are in him.
It is the fake ego-self that gives rise to the sense of dis-
cord and separation. When the illusion of ego is broken,
one feels, "I am not apart from others, but others are
parts of the One — God — The Master — and all of us are
engaged in the same service of God."
Each one of us is unique in his own way. There is a
divine purpose behind the life of everyone who comes
into the world; no one has been created for nothing. We
have something to learn from everyone. This is the mys-
tery of humility.
HUMILITY 345
The truly humble person does not compare himself with
others. He knows that none of us, however evolved, is
perfect; none of us is complete in himself. The humble per-
son does not regard one as better than the other; he be-
lieves in the divinity of each. If one says and asserts that
he is better than others, then he is not perfect as yet.
It is only when one realizes his nothingness that God
comes and fills him with Himself. Where man is, God is
not; where man is not, God is! God cannot enter the heart
of the self-seeking person. He who is full of himself con-
siders himself as above others and so puts a limit on him-
self. God is without limit. How can the limitless enter the
limited?
O ye who seek God: See that you do not set yourself
above others. Give up all that you are and all that you
have, empty yourself of all "self," cast the ego out, and
you stand face to face with God.
Wondrous are the words of the Sufi Saint, Abur Hassan:
Brothers! This is the Law:
He who cometh nigh to God
Loseth what he hath,
Aye, he loseth himself,
But gains instead the Gift Supreme,
The gift of humility.
A man may strive to be humble, but for all his efforts,
may become all the more proud. There is such a thing as
the pride of humility; it is a very dangerous thing, for it
is too subtle to be discerned by the inexperienced. There
are some who will take great pains to be humble; they
make humility impossible. How can a man be humble who
is all the time thinking of how best he can be humble?
346 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
Such a man is all the time occupied with himself; but true
humility is freedom from all consciousness of self, which
includes freedom from the consciousness of humility. The
truly humble man never knows that he is humble.
The truly humble man accepts everything as coming
from the hands of God. He knows that in him there is
nothing praiseworthy. All the good that is in him is
from God, and the praise that men give him belongs to
God. When the young man called Jesus "Good Teacher,"
Jesus quietly said, "Why call me good? There is none
good but God."
"Humility," says Lacordaire, "does not consist in hid-
ing our talents and virtues, in thinking ourselves worse
and more ordinary than we are, but in possessing a clear
knowledge of all that is lacking in us, and not exalting
ourselves for that which we have, seeing that God has
freely given it us, and with all His gifts, we are still in-
finitely of little importance."
So the truly humble man may accept sometimes the
praise which men give him, and quietly passes it on to
God, keeping nothing for himself.
The man who is not truly humble behaves in a very
unnatural manner when he is not praised by men. He be-
comes upset, loses his patience and even becomes angry.
He repulses them with his irritation and creates for them
an awkward situation. Sometimes he suppresses his feel-
ings and remains silent; but he cannot forget the things
that are said about him; they haunt him again and again,
and do not give him peace of mind.
The humble man makes no fuss. He is at harmony with
himself and others. He is gifted with a wondrous feeling of
peace. He feels safe and secure, like a ship in harbor, un-
HUMILITY 347
affected by howling storms and lashing waves. He has
found refuge at the Lotus Feet of the Lord and the storms
of changing circumstances have no power over him. He
feels light as air. The burdens which we carry all our life
— the burden of the self and its desires — he has laid aside,
and he is ever calm and serene. Having given up every-
thing, he has nothing to lose, and yet everything belongs
to him, for he is of God, and God is in him. Having
broken the bondage of desire, he is as happy with a piece
of dry bread as with a sumptuous meal. In every situation
and circumstance of life, he blesses the Name of God.
He who would be humble regards himself as a student.
He learns many new things, but what is more difficult, he
unlearns many things he has learned. A scholar came to
a Saint and said, "O Seer of the Secret, tell me what I
may do to live the life divine." And the Saint said to
him, "Go, unlearn what thou hast learnt and then return
and sit before me."
He who would walk the way of humility must renounce
his earlier ways of living. He must give up the opinions he
has formed, the standards to which he is accustomed. He
must have a new outlook on life. The things the world
would worship are to him of no value. His values are so
different from those of other men. Rich food, fine houses,
costly dresses, positions of power and authority, the ap-
plause of men, honors and titles, no longer attract him.
He feels drawn to a life of simplicity. He is happy in living
a hidden life in the Hidden Lord.
He is dead to the world; he is alive in God. At times he
actually behaves like one dead.
Yes, the truly humble man is, in that sense, the "dead"
man. He has "died." God alone lives in him. His self has
348 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
been annihilated. His self has vanished into God, and only
God remains. God works in him and through him, and
God emits in his eyes. God speaks in his words. On his
feet, God walks the earth; and through his hands gives His
benedictions to all.
Such men are the real strength of the world — its illumi-
nation and inspiration. To see them is to commune with
God, for God dwells in them. They are the living, moving
Temples of the Lord. They are the ones who keep the
world intact, though they do not know it themselves. The
whole earth depends on them without anyone being aware
of it. Their hearts and minds are in tune with the Great
Heart and Mind of humanity. They are in complete ac-
cord with all that lives. They give their love to all living
beings, as though they were the sons of the one sweet
Mother. They have broken all fetters and entered into the
freedom of the children of God. God does their will, be-
cause they have merged their wills in His. God fulfills their
least desire, for it is He Who desires all their desires. They
are the little saviors of humanity.
I wish each one of you to follow the lesson of humility,
born of love and simplicity.
blessed are the poor in spirit was issued on Novem-
ber 11, 1967, and was the third of the 1967 circulars. It
was first published under the present title in Sat Sandesh
in November 1971.
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Dear children of light: Blessed are ye, who, for the
sake of righteousness, offer to work in the vineyard
of the Master, and more so, those who are actually en-
gaged in the work. It is indeed a rare privilege which comes
in one's way as a matter of grace, and not because there is
anything special in us, and we must not on that account
feel elated and exalted. On the contrary, we should thank
our stars for having been given such an opportunity, and
try to serve the noble cause with contrition and humility.
It should always be our earnest endeavor to make our-
selves worthy of the trust and responsibility with which we
have been entrusted, in spite of our weaknesses and
shortcomings.
It would always pay us if we occasionally make a pause,
to take stock of what we are, for at times we are carried
away in our zeal to limits; limits beyond the limits of rea-
son. The human mind is very tricky and treacherous. In
diverse ways, quite imperceptibly, it starts playing antics.
At times, we begin to feel that we are God's elect. We
know full well the Divine Plan, and that the power of God
cannot but work through us. We should know that we are
yet on the way to perfection, and not in any sense near per-
fection. Perfection is the goal that has to be achieved. Be
ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is per-
fect is what Christ taught two thousand years ago, and his
teachings are as true today as they were then.
352 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
A disciple is not above the Master, nor a servant above
his Lord. It is enough for a disciple thai he be as his Mas-
ter, and the servant as his Lord. We have therefore to de-
velop in us the virtues of the Master and the Lord. And
what these virtues are is the next question. Humility is their
greatest embellishment. Humility first, and humility last, is
what they preach. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven. So the emphasis here is more on
"poverty in spirit" than on anything else. This, then, is the
keynote for all who work for the sacred cause.
Next comes love — love for one and love for all. Love
thy neighbor, for love is the fulfilling of the law of God. He
that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love. A little
leaven of love will leaven the whole lump and infect all
those who are around you. Again, perfect love casteth out
fear. Whensoever there is the least fear lurking, know it
for certain that love hath not yet perfected in that heart.
Naturally enough, from love spring forth the ideas of
service and sacrifice. Love believes in giving — giving away
the best you have and not accepting anything in return,
for that would be a barter and not love. "Service before
self" is what love teaches. By love, serve one another, is
what the Apostle Paul taught to the Galatians, and through
them to all mankind. If we look critically, we will soon
realize that all service which we seem to be doing to oth-
ers is not to anybody else, but to the one self-same self,
pervading everywhere and in all, including our seemingly
individualized self clothed in raiments of flesh and bones.
This being the case, there is no ground for claiming any
credit whatever. Loving service must therefore flow freely,
fully and naturally, as a matter of course, refreshing all
hearts, for it will convert the otherwise dreary and desolate
BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT 353
earth into a veritable garden of Eden; for which we so
earnestly pray every day, but find it receding from us, the
more we wish for it.
Where loving service begins to flow freely from the in-
nermost depths of a heart, that heart naturally gets satur-
ated with the milk of human kindness and becomes meek,
as meek as a lamb. Freed from the thorns and thistles of
arrogance and pride, one becomes harmless as a dove. He
cannot then injure the feelings of others, by thoughts, by
words or by deeds. He would ever fear to judge others and
make unruly remarks and comments. Judge not others,
lest ye be judged and found wanting by the Great Judge.
This thought would keep him on his guard. Human heart
is the seat of God, and should in no wise be injured. A
Muslim dervish goes to the length of saying, Burn the holy
Koran ij you will, and raze Kaaba to dust, but injure not
a human heart for it is the seat of God. Courtesy, you will
realize, costs nothing, but pays rich dividends. It is from
the abundance of heart that the tongue speaks. If you
studiously cultivate purity of heart, your tongue will auto-
matically become honeyed sweet. A tongue-cut is always
deeper than a sword-cut, and remains ever green and gan-
grenous. We should avoid all idle talk, for every idle word
that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the
day of judgment.
These are just a few of the axiomatic truths that have
been placed before you for your guidance and welfare, so
that you may benefit therefrom — not only yourself, but
you will be able to benefit others as well by your noble ex-
ample. An example is better than hundreds of sermons
and an ounce of practice works more than tons of theoreti-
cal disputations and dissertations.
354 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
One thing more : There is a growing tendency with some
persons to make divisions among the Satsangis — "good"'
Satsangis and "bad" Satsangis. All Satsangis are Satsangis,
and one who has been chosen, called, justified, accepted
and glorified by being linked with the living strands of life
within, the Light and Sound of God — the Audible Life
Stream — is truly in touch with Truth (Sat) and according-
ly is a Satsangi. To classify Satsangis into good and bad
Satsangis is hardly justifiable, for it is said, God first cre-
ated the Light; We are all children of the Light; The whole
creation sprang from the Light; Why then dub anyone as
evil? This being the case, we are all equal in the sight of
God. Whosoever thinks otherwise has, I am afraid, not
yet come by the rudiments of the sacred science. Some may
be slow and some rapid in their inner development; that is
quite a different thing, for each one has his or her peculiar
background and mental make-up, as coming from past in-
carnations, but to give a bad name to any is not justifiable
in the least. And if one does that, he shows a bad taste
and the sooner he rids himself of this habit, the better
it will be for him and for all concerned. A child is dear
to the mother even if he/she is smeared with filth, and the
mother washes him down with love and hugs him to her-
self. Know it for certain, that he who feels exalted is
abased, and he who humbles himself is exalted. A tree la-
den with flowers and fruits bends with their weight; while
the palm tree that stands tall and erect bears nothing.
Again, a tree is known by the fruit it bears. Be ye truly
the children of Light and shed light to others that they
may take heart, and your light prove a lamp unto their
feet; and that they may not stumble, but are guided to the
Way of God, for therein lies your duty to God and the
BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT 355
Power of God with which you have been united by the
grace of the Master Power. If you will live up to these in-
structions, it will hasten the Master's coming to you, to
see you all in loving harmony.
I may add a few words about Initiation into the esoteric
science of the soul, before I close. Initiation, you should
know, is granted not haphazardly or for the mere asking,
but according to certain inner principles. Your recommen-
dation is required so that you may be satisfied, as far
as possible; so that you may have no qualms of conscience
afterward and feel hurt if anything goes awry in course of
time. Sometimes it may even happen that certain individ-
uals may not, according to ordinary standards, appear to
be qualified for the gift of Naam; and yet Naam is given
to them simply because it is ordained from above. So these
are matters which can not, in all instances, be judged on
the human level.
With all love and kindly thoughts for all,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
before the year runs out was issued on December
28, 1967 , and concludes this series, as is noted in the cir-
cular. It appeared in Sat Sandesh in December 1971 ,
Before the Year Runs Out
Dear souls: Before the year runs out, I would like
all the children of light to manifest that light in abun-
dance, and take care that it is not darkened through any
default. You have had an experience of this light, the light
of God; the light that never is on sea or land, but burns
day and night, unquenchably, in the human breast. Let
this light be a lamp unto your feet, and serve as a beacon
light and signal fire to the world-weary traveler trudging
on the sands of time in search of a haven of peace. All of
you must know that you have voluntarily and joyously
taken upon yourself a great trust and responsibility — an
obligation which you have to discharge under the Law of
Divine Dispensation, and it is your proud privilege and a
sacred duty to serve the great Cause which is so very dear
to the Master.
All the Initiates of the Master, wherever they be — in the
East or in the West — form one great family of the Master
and as such are equally dear to me, and nothing will give
me greater pleasure than to see you all living in loving
peace and harmony as His children, serving one another
with love in your hearts. Love is the highest and the great-
est attribute of God, and all other virtues flow on their
own from it.
All of you have been put on the Godway, which of
course is the same. It is now for you to hasten the advent
of the Master within you, and thereby complete your
358 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
Guru-bhakti, or single-hearted devotion to Him. The proof
of this you can experience within you as the self-luminous
form of the Master appears, stays with you, talks to you
face to face, and helps you within by instruction and ex-
perience, in the same way as he does without: Behold! I
stand at the door and knock, and if any man hear my
voice, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me. From here begins Naam-bhakti, or devotion to
the Holy Word, and it is the Master's job to make you
proficient in it, and lead you to perfection and make you
perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Thus you see you have all been put on the Path leading
to God. The proof of the pudding, however, lies in tasting
it. The more you will taste of the Truth in you, the more
your life in a work-a-day world will reflect the Light of
God in all your dealings with one another, and you your-
self will feel that each day sees you nobler than before as
you tread Godward.
It is from amongst you that representatives, group lead-
ers, and workers are chosen by the Master for administra-
tive convenience, to carry on the work efficiently — to wit,
to arrange spiritual get-togethers (Satsangs) for mutual
help and benefit. My Master, Hazur Sawan Singh Ji, used
to say that Satsangs served a very useful purpose as a pro-
tective hedge around the field of Simran and Bhajan, so
that these vital and life-giving processes continue to de-
velop and thrive, in spite of the otherwise busy life in the
family, in society, in your respective avocations, and the
like.
I cannot help emphasizing that all Satsangis, whatever
their qualifications and the degrees of advancement, are
equally dear to me. With all our seeming righteousnesses,
BEFORE THE YEAR RUNS OUT 359
we are yet far from righteousness, for none are righteous
in the real sense of the word, and there is no ground for
us to feel exalted simply because we had the good fortune
to work in the vineyard of the Lord. On the contrary,
this very thing — the work entrusted to us so graciously —
casts upon us an added responsibilty to make ourselves
worthy of it.
I would very much like you to forge and strengthen lov-
ing links in the ever-expanding fraternity that is ours. The
representatives should, in a missionary spirit, travel from
center to center in their areas so as to see things for
themselves at each center, and strive to make them live
centers in the spiritual fabric, and in a loving spirit, ex-
change their views with one another, and offer suitable
suggestions for improving the position wherever necessary.
To facilitate work at each center, we should set up small
committees of three to four members with the idea of di-
vision of work as may make for more efficiency and better
understanding, and also enthuse a spirit of good will and
fellowship among all who are engaged in the holy work.
It may be worthwhile to establish separate study circles
for mutual discussions on one or the other spiritual sub-
ject, so that those participating in them get a training to
give small inspiring talks on their own, and be able to
keep the work going without any let or hindrance. A small
lending library with essential literature on Sat Mat will be
a great help to all, old and new Satsangis as well as fresh
aspirants for and seekers after Truth.
A tree is known by the fruit it bears, and so we should
act and behave in a manner that glorifies God and is befit-
ting to us as children of God. It will be a healthy begin-
ning if representatives, group leaders, and workers invite
360 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
each other for talks and addressing the Satsangis and
others interested in the subject in their respective areas;
and the invitees in their turn should give out their best to
their listeners without in any way interfering with their
susceptibilities and loyalties as may tend to estrange them
from each other, and cause any to stumble on the way.
This, it is hoped, will in a way help to expand the "Self"
in you, and your hearts will go out to serve the Lord when-
ever and wherever you may get an opportunity to do so.
This is the greatest service that one can do to oneself, and
to the self-same Self in others around you, and those with
whom you may come in contact from day to day.
Those going around in connection with Satsang work
at different places should not accept any offering whatso-
ever for their personal benefit. However, they are allowed
to share lodging and simple food with the dear ones, if
possible and necessary. The travel expenses and other
allied charges incurred may be debited to Satsang funds.
The non-acceptance of gifts for personal self is one of the
prescriptions given by the ancient sages for persons living
the spiritual life. It will be easy to see how this rule be-
comes more important for those who are in their service
to God, and have been placed in a position of public au-
thority. It is the duty of the spiritual leaders and coun-
sellors, whatever their capacity, to remain impersonal
servants of all. Since the acceptance of gifts involves one,
even against his or her will, in some measure of obligation
to the giver, it may cause unwittingly a lowering of his or
her ideals. This should be considered sufficient to avert
serious difficulties that could arise from laxity in this
principle.
In this respect it would be worth your while and profi-
BEFORE THE YEAR RUNS OUT 361
table for you to read this, along with the previous circu-
lars of June 6, 1967, and November 11, 1967, together
with the Birthday Message of July 1967, as all of these,
including this one, present an integrated view of true
living as enjoined by the Masters.
I would also greatly appreciate it if you would chalk
out the lines for yourself, and also send periodical reports
on the progress made from time to time. The Master
Power overhead, I am sure, will help us to achieve the
desired results. My best wishes are with you.
With all love, and more of it,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
the message of the masters was the very first article
in the very first issue (January 1968) of Sat Sandesh maga-
zine, and conveys both Master's high expectations for it
and the protection that has always been with it since the
earliest days. The magazine was very dear to his heart,
and those of us who were associated with it will treasure
forever the memories of him reading it and going over it
so carefully.
The Message of the Masters
Dear ones, I am sending you Sat Sandesh, the message
of the Lord, all saints and prophets have been bring-
ing from time to time for the guidance and uplift of man.
Kabir says: "I am the knower of the True Home of the
Father and have come to give you the message of God."
God's message is:
"I am the Lord of all creation. Man is the highest
in all creation. He is next to Me. I have given equal priv-
ileges to all mankind. They are born in the same way
and with the same outer and inner construction. This is
the golden opportunity you have been given to know
Me. Ever since you were sent down to the world, you
have not returned to Me — the True Home — but have
stuck fast in the enjoyments of mind and outgoing fac-
ulties so much so that you have forgotten even yourself,
what to speak of Me. I sent saints and prophets to awak-
en and to bring you back to Me but you did not care
to come. Instead of appreciating their services, you have
been molesting them.
"I sent Christ — the Word made flesh — who reminded
you vehemently: change your mind, for the Kingdom of
Heaven is at hand. Religions came into being to keep the
teachings of all such Masters afresh. Religion in its pris-
tine beauty means a living reality. It is a state of universal
God-consciousness, in which you live, move and have your
being in My loving presence. All your activities or insti-
364 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
tutions should have been inspired by love of Me. Then
there would have been left no stranger, no alien, no hatred,
and strifes would have been unknown.
"If you like to seek Me, conquer all fears; this you can
achieve only when you shake off attachment for wealth,
family, body, as one and all are Mine, and have been
given to you to make the best use of them to reach Me.
This detachment of heart can only come when you love
Me 'with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy
strength.' This is true renunciation which is the highest
expression of religion.
"All saints and prophets I sent to the East or West;
their lives were filled with the rapture of the vision of the
unity of all races and religions in the spirit. The outer
world is the expression of the mind. Unless you first estab-
lish unity in your hearts, you cannot develop unity of all
men.
"There are two methods by which you can achieve this
end. One is the interior method of meditation to go into
the silence of the heart where flows the fountain of My
love, all bliss and joy. You must be reborn; except you
be reborn (or twice born) you cannot enter into My King-
dom which is within you. Those who have once drunk the
water of life from this fountain are intoxicated forever
and love flows out from them in all its joy and graceful-
ness to all humanity — overflowing as they are with the love
and intoxication of Me — giving vent to 'peace be unto all
the world under Thy Will, O Lord.' Mind that it is not
religion that failed you; it is you who have failed religion.
"The second method is to understand the meaning and
the purpose of knowledge which in one single thought is
'service' to all My creation — men, beasts, birds, etc. The
THE MESSAGE OF THE MASTERS 365
meaning of true life is service and sacrifice.
"So long as you want, first and foremost, to be blessed
yourselves and you expect others to minister to you, you
will remain a stranger to the way of spirituality. When you
will wish others to be blessed, you will begin to speed on
your way back to Me.
"Let you not be a reformer to whip others into good-
ness, but be a witness of the Great Love radiating all love
in thought, word and deed. Be an example rather than
give precepts to others. You are indulging in oceans of
talks but how many ounces of action? An ounce of prac-
tice is more than tons of theories. 'Wanted: reformers —
not of others but of themselves.'
"Religion decays when forms and rituals become more
important than Me [God]. The inner light within you
fades away giving place to intellectual acceptance of dogma
or creed which you hold tenaciously, for the vindication
of which you willingly lay down your lives. Religion fur-
ther decays when neither Me [God] nor the Church rules
you, but you become slaves to mammon and material
power of the once virile religion; only the form remains
ending in selfish ends by the so-called defenders of faiths
and contractors of religions.
"You are all dear to Me, sweet children, I advise you all,
residing anywhere, to sit together as brothers and sisters
and understand each other. Dissolve all differences and
misconceptions — you are already one as man, as soul
(conscious beings), as followers of the same Master Pow-
er, and I reside in each one of you as Controlling Power
keeping you in the body. Remove all duality and other-
ness. You will be able to sit together only in My name and
will realize this unity in Me in the company of saints."
366 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
May this lesson go out to the hearts of each one of
you on this blessed Christmas Day and New Year Day
so that the purpose of life is dedication to the Eternal and
the meaning of life is consecration to the Eternal Value
of life.
May the benediction of the Master shine upon you for-
ever and forever more.
With love and best wishes,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
ON keeping the diary was issued on October 19,
1968, for reasons explained in the text, and published in
Sat Sandesh under this title in April 1972.
On Keeping the Diary
Dear ones: It appears that Column No. 6 on the diary
form has caused some confusion among the dear ones,
in that some record in this column failures to observe
Selfless Service, physically and financially, while others
treat it as a record of positive contributions made.
The confusion has apparently arisen because Column
No. 6 has its own total quite separate from the first five
columns and is also adjacent to the positive record of time
spent in doing the spiritual practices.
However, since it is desirable to have the diaries kept
in a uniform manner by all, Column No. 6 should be
looked upon as a failure to observe the virtue of Selfless
Service toward others, physically and financially.
In addition, it has been observed that few initiates have
been informed as to how they should fill in the diaries. In-
stead of entering the number of times that they fail in
thought, word and deed in the appropriate columns under
Ahimsa, Truthfulness, Chastity, Love for All, Diet and
Selfless Service, there is a tendency to put ticks or crosses.
It is the same case with filling in the column under Spirit-
ual Practices.
The diary forms are divided into seven categories. The
first six categories deal with the failures to observe the
virtues indicated by the heading of these categories, while
category number seven is a record of the time spent in
spiritual practices. In the first six categories, you are to
370 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
enter the number of times that you fail to observe the
virtues indicated, in thought, word and deed. For ex-
ample, if you fail in "Non-violence" in thought, word,
and deed, four times in one day, you are to enter this
figure in the column provided under the day on which the
failures occurred.
It is also important that all must fill in their diaries for
regular submission to me every three months. Representa-
tives and Group Leaders are not exempt from keeping the
diary, as it is just as necessary for them to maintain regular
self-introspection, so as to set an example to others as
well as to ensure their own spiritual progress. Those who
do not maintain the diary will lose valuable ground in mak-
ing steady spiritual progress. In time, they will cease to
apply themselves to their spiritual practices and in con-
sequence the virtues stressed on the diary forms will be
observed less and less.
The summaries of progress made in developing the
Principles of Light and Sound, and any difficulties in the
way of making such progress, should be written concisely,
neatly, and clearly in the boxes provided for this purpose
on the right-hand side of the diaries. It would be greatly
appreciated if notations, explanations, and even letters were
not to be written on the backs of the diary forms but con-
fined to their proper places on the front of the diary
forms. Letters should always be written separately, if at
all necessary. In this way, the report of spiritual progress
may be read at a glance from the diaries and other mat-
ters not relevant to the diaries, if any at all, should be in-
cluded in your covering letter. Correspondence received
shows that in about fifty to sixty per cent of the cases, the
letters are sent monthly and sometimes bi-monthly, which
ON KEEPING THE DIARY 371
if avoided will lessen the burden of correspondence. In
cases of real importance the usual time limit can be ig-
nored by the Representatives and others.
The diary forms should be a true reflection of your
own inner state. The failures made should be as an open
self-confession of the shortcomings which stand between
you and the Master. Similarly, devoting regular time to the
Spiritual Practices is an indication of the positive efforts
that you are making toward your spiritual growth.
If you live up to the sublime purpose behind the keeping
of the diary, you will progress from day to day, and
achieve your goal in this lifetime.
Satsang: All the dear ones are advised to read care-
fully Circular No. 4. This circular deals with the proper
way to hold Satsang meetings. All Satsangs should be con-
ducted strictly in accordance with this circular.
Satsang is not a meeting place for a hotch-potch of
different schools of thought. The teachings of the Surat
Shabd Yoga only should be the subject of discourse.
Books other than those of the Master should not be
read from, sold or displayed at Satsangs. Other books or
saints which speak of the Surat Shabd Yoga may, however,
be referred to in your talks.
All such subjects such as astrology, palmistry, astral
projection, psychic phenomena, or other allied schools of
thought, should not be brought into the Satsangs and dis-
cussed. You may refer to the book The Crown of Life in
which you will find how the teachings of Surat Shabd Yoga
differ from all other Yoga and modern day movements.
I cannot stress strongly enough that it is most important
that all Representatives and Group Leaders must be fully
convinced of the supremacy of the teachings of the Surat
372 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
Shabd Yoga, which is the simplest and easiest way back
to God. They must have this understanding as well as
faith in the God Power working through the chosen human
pole of the living Master, otherwise they cannot deliver the
teachings to others with the firm conviction that the Surat
Shabd Yoga is supreme above all other paths. If, however,
some Representatives and Group Leaders are not fully
convinced of this at heart, then I am afraid that they will
not be able to do full justice to the onerous work entrusted
to them. We have, of course, respect for all other teach-
ings that point the way back to God.
Satsang is of the Master and every initiate is also part
of the Satsangs and can contribute to the general atmos-
phere of the Satsangs by setting an example in living up
to the Teachings of the Master. Christ said, "Let my
words abide in you, and you abide in me." The words of
the Master are the Master, and the Master cannot be
separated from His words.
With all love,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
how to develop receptivity was issued in five parts
between 1969 and 1973, on the dates indicated in the text.
The last four parts were published in Sat Sandesh when
issued. The first three parts were published in pamphlet
form in February 1970, and the last two were issued sepa-
rately. This is the first time that they have been published
in their entirety as a unit.
How to Develop Receptivity
I
June 13, 1969
Dear ones: Over the past two years, the foreign corre-
spondence has almost doubled and the time which I
have to take to attend to it has increased correspondingly.
Over the same period of time, my commitments here in
India have also greatly increased.
Much of the time that I spend in doing the foreign cor-
respondence could be saved if the Representatives and
Group Leaders played a greater part in looking after the
areas and individual Satsangs for which they are respon-
sible. By giving due consideration to their responsibilities
and by setting a good example, the causes that prompt the
dear ones to write numerous letters to me on routine mat-
ters concerning the running of Satsang affairs would be
avoided. In addition, the majority of the basic questions
asked by those non-initiates who are interested in the
Teachings of the Masters as well as by initiates could and
should be dealt with by the Group Leaders, who can an-
swer from their own level or by referring the questioner to
one or the other of the books written by me. I have written
books on almost all phases of Spirituality, which contain
the answers to most of the questions that non-initiates or
those already put on the Way may care to ask, but still
letters keep coming in asking questions which could be
answered by giving a proper study to the books.
376 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
The time has come for all Group Leaders and Repre-
sentatives to evaluate their position and be ready to as-
sume larger responsibilities than they have hitherto carried
out. They should have sufficient knowledge of the Teach-
ings to be able to answer most questions on the Path and
also deal with questions asked on comparative religions,
with special reference to the Bible, when compared to the
Surat Shabd Yoga. If a Group Leader believes that he/she
cannot answer a particular question or solve a particular
situation, the matter may be referred to the Representative
for reply. If a Representative believes that he/she cannot
deal with it honestly, only then should it be referred to me.
I should also like to say a few words about the numer-
ous personal problems which the dear ones refer to me
for a solution to their difficulties. While I am happy to
give the right guidance, it should also be remembered that
those initiated by me are looked after by the gracious Mas-
ter Power working overhead, Who is ever with His chil-
dren and can solve all of their problems if they but put
themselves in a receptive mood. In this regard, an applica-
tion of sound common sense together with a calm consider-
ation of the facts can work wonders in developing recep-
tivity to the Master Power. Receptivity is the key which
can not only solve your material difficulties, but also un-
lock the Kingdom of Heaven within you.
At the time of Initiation, the Master imparts His own
life impulse. When we remember Him, He remembers us.
with all His heart and soul. He is not the body. He is the
Word made flesh. To get the full benefit of the Master
Power, the disciple must develop receptivity. It is impos-
sible to develop receptivity until implicit obedience is giv-
en to the commandments of the Master. When you pay
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 377
heed to the Master's Words, then that is a sign that you
are growing in love for Him, and the more you grow in
love for Him, the more receptivity you will develop.
At this time, I should also like to clarify certain mis-
understandings on Initiation. Some experience of the Light
and Sound is always given, whether little or great, depend-
ing on the background of the person being initiated. It
sometimes happens that a man is tense at this time and so
reduces his receptivity to the gracious Master Power work-
ing overhead. The best results are achieved when the per-
son being initiated is relaxed and quite fresh and buoyant.
However, too much emphasis is placed on the initial ex-
perience received at the time of holy Initiation. It is the
first sign that God's grace has descended on a soul when
that person receives Initiation from a Living Master. Such
like people who are connected to the Word or Naam
Power are most fortunate. It is through the grace of God
alone that one is initiated. The greatest service that a dis-
ciple can render to the Master is to become a fit receptacle
so that he can be attuned to the Naam Power to which he
has been connected. However, this takes time. The spiritual
Path is a difficult one and requires a rigorous self-disci-
pline. We must forever be on the alert against anything
that draws us away from the Path. We must carry out the
Master's instructions to the very letter and devote regular
time to meditation. We must learn to overcome self-love
which is a fire that consumes and destroys and learn to cul-
tivate love for God, which is a fire that purges and purifies.
Initiation also means that one is accepted by the Master
to enter the College of Spirituality. It is not by any means
a graduation. To give you a worldly example, when a stu-
dent is accepted by a university for a course of study, he
378 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
is generally overjoyed at the mere acceptance. He does
not immediately go to the President and demand his gradu-
ation certificate. He knows that he must work hard at his
studies in order to pass the intermediate and final exami-
nations before he can be called a graduate. If he does not
apply himself, then he should not be surprised if he fails in
his examinations. After passing his final examination, the
student is then rewarded with a degree, which entitles him
to undertake post-graduate studies.
If one has to put in so much hard work to obtain world-
ly knowledge, then how much harder should he expect to
work and discipline himself in order to make himself
worthy to receive that which the Master wishes to bestow
on him.
Until such time as the disciple begins to develop within
and enjoy contact with the Inner Master, he must of ne-
cessity have firm faith in the Outer Master. The Master
does not disclose all of His greatness at once, but only in
proportion as an aspirant shows his keenness and makes
progress on the Path, just as a student, when he advances in
his studies, gets to know little by little something of the
ability of his teacher. Similarly, the Master starts just like
an ordinary teacher and imparts instructions as any friend
or well-wisher would do. In the course of time, He demon-
strates the authority of a Master and is finally seen to be
embedded in Sat or Truth as Sat guru. At this stage, He
and God appear to be merged in one another and there is
no difference between them.
Finally, Initiation does not mean that life will be a bed
of roses for the disciple. In the task of self-purification,
physical and mental suffering play their part. Who is
there that does not suffer at some time of his life? After
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 379
Initiation, the process of lightening the load holding the
soul in bondage is started. This process can be gone
through speedily and happily if the disciple keeps sweet
remembrance of the Master in his heart and endeavors to
remain jolly in his spirits. As the disciple advances on the
Path, he is given spiritual strength and outer adversities
lose their pinching effect.
I wish you all speedy progress on the Way and, side by
side with your own spiritual development, let the Light
shining in each one of you be a source of inspiration to
your fellow man.
I hope that this Circular Letter will inspire you all to
greater effort, so that by the time I come among you, God
willing, you will derive greater benefit from the Physical
Presence of the Master.
With all love and best wishes,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
II
November 5, 1969
Dear ones: In my Circular Letter of June 13, it was
explained in detail what is the responsibility of each
and every initiate, the true meaning of Initiation and the
life to be led by one who wishes to progress on the Path.
In continuation, I should like to say a few words on
Sadachar or the righteous life, without which one cannot sit
in the quiet of his own self and, with concentrated atten-
tion, pierce through the inner darkness.
To achieve true spiritual progress, one must lead "the
good life," I may even say a "God-like life," before much
inner progress can be made. At the same time, one must
380 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
be fully dutiful to regular meditations, as both are essen-
tial. To lead a good life without devoting time to one's
spiritual practices will not raise the attention to the seat of
the soul. Similarly, devoting hours to meditation without
eliminating bad habits and cultivating good ones in their
place, will not get one anywhere. Purity of life is essential
for fruitful meditations.
What is "the good life?" It is to have good thoughts,
good words and good deeds. Sadachar is a life of continued
Tightness from beginning to end. It is for each initiate to
occasionally pause and introspect as to how far he has
succeeded in molding his life in accordance with the com-
mandments of the Master. We talk of God, hear of God,
and read of God, but we seldom practice God in our daily
life. It is the practice of the Presence of God that matters
and we can only have the awareness of this Presence by
leading a God-like life; there are no short cuts on the way
back to God.
Truth is higher than everything but higher still is true
living. Truth and true living are not exclusive of each other
but go together; one supplements the other and their com-
bination forms the God-like life. One who practices true
living will always earn his living by the sweat of his brow
and feed himself and his family on rightly procured foods
consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals and permitted
dairy products. Furthermore, he will be honest and above-
board in his dealings with others. These three aspects of
conduct are indispensable aids to true living. One can
gauge his or her spiritual progress by the measure of con-
scious control that he or she has over his or her thought
pattern. One who has in some measure achieved this con-
trol will not be swayed or upset by outer conditions, stress-
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 381
es and strains that his environment may place on him. //
one cannot rise above, be in full control of and handle with
ease the circumstances of his outer environment, he will
never be able to succeed in the way of spirituality.
So the important thing is to first learn to handle your
outer environment, consisting of your home and/or work
life. We are to be judged by our actions and not by our
words. It is from the abundance of our heart that all ac-
tions result, whether physical, emotional or intellectual.
The mind is an index and reflecting mirror and it truly de-
picts one's inner state. A measure of success in how well
you are succeeding in handling your outer environment will
be a gradual awareness that you are becoming the master
of your own thoughts. It is to achieve this success that I in-
troduced the self -introspective diaries. How many really
keep their diaries properly? Very few, if any, I am sorry
to say. If the diaries were to be taken advantage of, you
would see a change in your behavior, your mode of think-
ing, and consequently, you would progress spiritually by
leaps and bounds. The purpose of the diary is to reflect
your own inner state, so that you know where you stand.
It is a tool, which if used properly, will chisel you into a
receptacle fit for the manifestation of the Master within
you. You should put just as much devotion and attention
into keeping your diary as you put into your meditations.
The following points will give you the right understanding
on the sublime purpose behind and benefits to be had
from keeping the diary:
(1) When, at the end of the day, you recall your
failures in thought, word and deed, in which direction
will your mind be turned? Naturally, it will go to the
382 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
One who has asked you to keep it. So keeping the
diary is also remembrance of the Master; you are say-
ing something to Him. If you remember Him, well,
He remembers you, and in time, you will develop
receptivity to Him wherever you may be. There can
be no true spiritual progress without receptivity, and
the daily maintenance of the diary with full attention
and a true yearning to be freed from the lapses which
are recorded therein goes a long way to developing
this receptivity.
(2) In the Christian religion, I understand that those
who wish may make a confession of their lapses be-
fore a priest. They may go once a month or weekly,
but generally not more often than once a week. But
by keeping the diaries, you are making a confession
every day. Let your confessions be honestly and open-
ly recorded in the various columns, so that you know
where you stand and can take rectifying action. The
best and easiest way to cure your ills is to yearn to be
free of them, and, as mentioned above, to have sweet
remembrance of the Master at the time you are fill-
ing in your diary.
(3) Last and just as important as the foregoing,
keeping the diary should not be allowed to stagnate
into a mere recording of failures, which tends to be-
come mechanical if done with little or no attention.
The true purpose of putting these failures down in
front of you is to make yourself aware of them so
that they may be weeded out. To weed them out, it
is not sufficient to cut off one or two branches, you
must uproot the cause. Once you become aware of a
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 383
failure, you should be able to trace it to a certain
situation, and this situation will help you to iden-
tify the cause of the weakness in you that has to be
strengthened. By and by, the very cause of the failure
will drop off by itself.
Another important aspect of "the good life" concerns out-
er behavior, which should be natural to the society into
which one is born; no acting or posing is required. There
are some dear ones who believe that they should adopt
the outer symbols of dress and name that characterize
the society into which the Master was born, in the belief
that this is pleasing to Him. The life of the spirit does not
call for conversion to outer modes of living in name, ap-
pearance or apparel. The Masters do not come to make or
unmake social orders. Their mission is just to fulfill the law
of God, which is to redeem His lost children. They sim-
ply ask us to convert ourselves inwardly, to be poor in
spirit and pure at heart. We should cultivate true hu-
mility, which is neither servile nor assertive. These are
the things that will please the Master and make us recep-
tive to the gracious Master Power working overhead. If
you live a life of humility and simplicity, you will have
peace of mind. After all, what is there on earth that be-
longs to you? Why be attached to the vanities of the world
when the treasures of divinity lie within you? If you live
for God, all things shall work out in your best interests,
not only spiritually but also materially. This is the funda-
mental law of God and can be realized by all who will
practice true living.
The reward of true living will be that you will become
receptive to the Master Power working over your head.
384 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
No real progress can be had unless this receptivity is de-
veloped. By receptivity a disciple is cast into the same
mold as the Master, but before one can become receptive,
he must have right understanding. This is given either by
word of mouth by the Master at the Satsangs conducted
personally by Him or through His writings in the form of
the many books and circular letters to those who live afar.
Right understanding by word of mouth or through His
writings constitutes only one third of the teachings of the
Master; the other two thirds are achieved through develop-
ing receptivity. Christ said, "I am the vine, ye are the
branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing."
The first sign that a branch is receptive to the life-
giving sap that rises in the body of the vine will be blos-
soms, and the second, the fruit that it will bear. If a branch
cuts itself off from the sap, then . . .? It will become but a
dead piece of wood, fit only for the pruning shears of the
gardener. The vine gets its food through its roots which
are intertwined and embedded in the nutriment-giving soil.
Therefore, the branch that is receptive or attached to the
body of the vine gets the same food. Similarly, the Mas-
ter's roots are embedded and intertwined in the Godhead.
So the disciple who is attached to or becomes receptive
to the Master can not only be fed by the life-giving sap
of the Master but can actually pass through His roots un-
til he too becomes embedded or intertwined in the God-
head, and this can only be done by developing receptivity.
To attempt to gain the Godhead without being receptive
to the Master Power is fraught with danger. Maulana Rumi
says, "Do not go within without the Master, as there are
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 385
many dangers inside." If one should happen to rise above
body consciousness without being receptive to the Mas-
ter Power, he will become hopelessly lost in the lower
astral planes and runs a great risk of being deceived by
the many manifestations of the Negative Power. There
have been instances where even great Rishis have fallen
because they relied on their own power to carry them over
the dangers that abound in the inner regions.
So receptivity is important for success in all phases of
life, both mundane and spiritual, and it can be achieved
by following the right understanding given above. First,
one must lead a God-like life; second, the spiritual diaries
must be maintained in the accurate way as already ex-
plained, and third, you must learn to develop receptivity.
If you succed in the first two, the third will follow of itself.
With all love and best wishes,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
III
January 27, 1970
Dear Ones:
The recent increase in correspondence received here
indicates that the many books written by me, in ad-
dition to the Circular Letters issued over the past two
years, especially those dated June 13 and November 5,
1969, have not been read, appreciated and digested by the
dear ones. This is confirmed by the contents of the letters
written to me by most of the initiates, which bring up the
same questions and problems which had been answered
in previous letters, or could have been answered by a prop-
er study of the books and circulars already referred to.
386 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
My Circular Letters should be read again and again,
both at Satsangs and individually. Again, I should like to
stress that the Circular Letters dated June 13 and Novem-
ber 5 give the right understanding and guidance for all situ-
ations, and any problems or difficulties that may be en-
countered in the day to day living of the initiates. You
must put this right understanding into actual practice if
you wish to succeed in the task of man-making, which you
alone can do. The more you succeed in this way, the more
receptivity you will develop to the Master Power within
you. The Circular Letters mentioned above should be
given to every new initiate, to give impetus to their Initi-
ation. To give further help and encouragement on the Way,
my new book Morning Talks will soon be available for
general distribution. This book, which covers most as-
pects of Spirituality, is a God-given spiritual textbook to
which all initiates should constantly refer to see how they
are measuring up to the standards required for success in
their man-making. I cannot stress sufficiently the impor-
tance of reading this book, digesting its contents, and then
living up to what it contains.
The dear ones should also be regular in attending Sat-
sang, which is where the theoretical side of the Teachings
are given, to enable them to increase their understanding
of what the books and Circular Letters written by the Mas-
ter contain. When you have right understanding, you will
have right thoughts, and from right thoughts will automa-
tically flow right words and right action. Satsang is not a
place for gossip or social get-togethers. It is a sacred forum
where all meet to sit in sweet remembrance of the
Master as well as to increase their understanding. While
I permitted meditations also to be held at Satsang in
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 387
the past, generally after the Satsang, 1 would now
suggest that those dear ones who would like to meditate
together, do so before the Satsang commences. This
will avoid the incidence of social chit-chat that has,
in many cases, been reported to me as going on at
the beginning and end of Satsang. It will also avoid
the participation of non-initiates in the meditation period,
which is not desirable, except in cases of sincere seekers
after Truth, who are desirous of initiation. When Satsang
is finished, everyone should leave. Those non-initiates who
are interested in the Teachings should be advised to first
thoroughly study the books and other literature available,
before asking any questions. If after such a thorough study
of the Teachings, they still have some questions, these
may be answered by the Group Leader. By attending Sat-
sang in the right spirit, the Master Power within each initi-
ate will radiate, and the resultant charging of the atmos-
phere will give a boost to all. At times like these, the
Master Power is given the right environment to do Its
work, which is to prepare the dear ones for their second
birth into the Beyond.
If all initiates give a proper study to the books and
Circular Letters and also attend the Satsang in the way
described above, there should be no need for them to write
to the Master with any question or problem, the solution
of which already lies at hand. Every initiate should under-
stand that to write to me on any problem or with any
questions is to limit the Master Power working within
them. It but delays the answer, which could otherwise be
known within a short time by following the advice given
above. In my Circular of June 13, I advised the initiate
who had some problem or question to which he required
388 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
an answer, to sit quietly in a receptive mood, thereby at-
tuning himself to the gracious Master Power within him.
Then he would surely receive his answer and have full
confidence as to what course of action he should take.
For example, there is one story from the life of Lord
Krishna. One of his disciples, a lady, was attacked by
some men in a lonely place. So naturally, she cried out
to Lord Krishna for help, but thought of him as being in
the place where his physical body resided, which was many
miles away. So, just when her condition was becoming des-
perate, Lord Krishna appeared and she was saved. When
she remonstrated with Lord Krishna for taking so long to
come to her aid, he replied, "Well, you thought of me as
being many miles away from you, so it took some time
for me to come to your help. But if you had realized that
I am always with you, am in fact your constant companion,
I would have appeared instantaneously." The diary forms
on which you record your spiritual progress should of
course continue to be sent to me, so that I can give fur-
ther guidance on inner, spiritual progress. If any initiate
feels that he must have some outer guidance on the Teach-
ings, he should discuss his questions and/or problems with
the Group Leader or Representative of his area. In this
regard, Group Leaders and Representatives should be
thoroughly familiar with the Teachings. They will greatly
reduce their own workload if they read out at Satsang the
Circular Letters already referred to in addition to selec-
tions from the books written by me. The new book Morn-
ing Talks will provide them with invaluable material for
this purpose. But most of all, they should set an example
to others in their actions. Example is better than precept.
If they carry out their responsibilities in a loving and hum-
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 389
ble manner, they will become more receptive channels for
the Master Power to work through. Their very radiation
will benefit others without them uttering one word.
However, there is one very important point that must
be borne in mind by all, whether initiates, group leaders
or representatives. This is, that group leaders and repre-
sentatives are there purely for the purpose of giving out
the theoretical side of the Teachings and in arranging
facilities whereby the initiates of their group or area can
meet together for Satsang. Group Leaders and representa-
tives are not to be used as crutches for the other initiates
to lean upon. Nor should the initiates look to them for any
purpose but to help them in understanding the Teachings.
In other words, initiates should not look to them for spir-
itual guidance in any shape or form, as this is the function
of the Master. If an initiate looks to a group leader or
representative for spiritual guidance he automatically
places a blockage in between himself and the Master and
his spiritual progress will suffer in consequence. Similarly
if a group leader or representative allows himself to be
used in this way, he too stands to lose. So to summarize,
group leaders and representatives are there only to help
others to have right understanding of the Teachings (which
they can do only if they are thoroughly conversant with
them), and to provide a healthy example of the life to be
led. It should be remembered that the Master Power is
within each initiate and that each one should be an inspir-
ation to his fellow, whether initiate or non-initiate. Those
who have developed more receptivity than others can by
their very example and radiation give a boost to their less
developed brothers, without exerting any sort of superiority
over them. I always used to pray to my Master that if any
390 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
goodness went out of me to the benefit of my fellow man,
then I should not know about it.
With all love and best wishes,
Yours affectionately.
KIRPAL SINGH
IV
February 20, 1971
Over the past year, I have observed from the spiritual
diaries sent in by the dear ones, that they report little
or no inner progress, some even mentioning that they have
made no headway since the time of their holy Initiation.
Because there appears to be a lack of right understanding
as to why steady progress has not been made, I should
like to clarify the process by which such progress can be
achieved.
If the dear ones were to do their spiritual practices cor-
rectly, with due regard to self-introspection, they would,
as sure as two and two make four, rise above body con-
sciousness and transcend into the Beyond, where the In-
ner Master is patiently waiting to greet His children at
the threshold of the astral plane. But because they are un-
able to do this, even for a short while, they erroneously
believe their meditations to be barren of all concrete re-
sults.
If you were able to follow the Master's instructions ac-
curately, you would be sure to agree with St. Paul, who tells
us in the Bible: "I die daily." Therefore, what is it that
prevents you from following the Master's instructions? It
is your own mind, which you have not yet been able to
coax away from the outer attachments of the world to the
bliss that awaits it inside.
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 391
What the Master tells you to do is not really difficult
if you could but comprehend the simplicity of it. He tells
you to sit in a position most comfortable to you, one in
which you can sit the longest without moving; that while
sitting in this position, you are to remain wide awake with
your attention directed at the seat of the soul behind and
between the two eyebrows; that you are to look sweetly
and serenely into the middle of the darkness in front of
you, repeating the Simran of five charged names slowly
and at intervals.
Some succeed in performing their spiritual disciplines in
the prescribed manner in a short period, others do not for
want of the conscious control of the mind and the outgoing
faculties. This is why it has always been stressed to weed
out all undesirable traits and habits, and to replace them by
the opposite ennobling virtues; and for this, the mainten-
ance of the monthly self-introspection diary is mandatory.
The more you progress in man-making, the more your
mind and senses will come under your conscious control.
This has already been dealt with very thoroughly, as well
as others aspects of spiritual development, in my previous
Circular Letters which together with Morning Talks con-
stitute the yardsticks which you may apply to measure
how far you have succeeded in your disciplines, both outer
and inner.
So what is meant by "not doing the practices properly"
is simply another way of saying that the one-pointed con-
centration preluding complete withdrawal to the eye focus
has not yet been achieved by the dear ones.
You are the indweller of your own body, but are not
yet its Master. Your servants, the mind and five senses,
have usurped the throne on which your soul should sit.
392 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
Until they are dispossessed and placed in their rightful
place as servants, they will not allow you to withdraw and
go in. The Master within, like any loving Father, is eag-
erly awaiting the day when you have set your house in
order. He only requires one opportunity to snatch you
from the prisonhouse of the body, and like an expert an-
gler, once He has successfully hooked His fish, He will not
allow it to escape until He has it safely in His basket.
Man is so constituted that he cannot for long remain at
one level. He either progresses or slips back. You may
judge for yourselves which way you are going by seeing
how far your minds and senses are coming under your
conscious control.
This is achieved not only by ethical living, but also by
the inner help and strength you get every time you sit for
your meditations. So, if no apparent inner headway is
achieved, know it for sure that the ground is being wa-
tered. Every time you sit, you are creating a habit which
one day the mind will accept as in its best interest, as op-
posed to its present habit of seeking enjoyment in outside
things. Habit strengthens into nature, and this is the reason
for the present difficulties experienced by the dear ones in
their routine meditations. The habit of the mind in run-
ning after outside enjoyments has become natural to it.
Therefore, it resents sitting in the quiet. By creating a new
habit, you will, in time, change the nature of the mind
from one seeking pleasure in things external to one thirst-
ing for the bliss and sweetness to be had from things in-
ternal.
"Thy restless mind continually goes astray; how can it
ever be brought to heel? Only by giving the heart and soul
to the Word or Name of God; no other way has ever been
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 393
found or ever will be found." (Swami Ji)
So I wish for you to tread the Path having full faith
and confidence in the Master, and above all, be grateful
that you have been accepted for Initiation in this difficult
age we are living in. Persevere, persevere, and persevere
again. Perseverance combined with full faith in the gra-
cious Master Power working overhead will one day remove
all obstacles, and your cherished goal will be achieved.
With all love and best wishes,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
V
July 6, 1973
DEAR CHILDREN OF LIGHT, REPRESENTATIVES, GROUP
LEADERS, INITIATES, SEEKERS OF GOD AND ASPIRANTS:
It is a pleasure to see that the Vineyard of Hazur is in full
bloom and His family is growing from strength to strength
with the passage of time. Along with this, there is a cor-
responding increase in the work load, especially in the
incoming mail that is growing in bulk each day.
In this connection, I have already issued three detailed
Circular Letters — dated June 13 and November 5, 1969,
and January 27, 1970, as printed in Receptivity — followed
by another on February 20, 1971. The main purpose of
issuing these Circular Letters was to provide useful and
practical guidelines to the dear ones on the Path and con-
sequently to streamline and cut down the unnecessary and
avoidable correspondence. But it appears that the instruc-
tions contained therein have not been read, appreciated
and followed in the spirit in which they were issued. It is
evident from the incessant inflow of numerous routine and
394 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
stereotype letters/communications received over here in
large numbers.
You would please realize that it takes a lot of time to
dispose of it by working late hours in the night — many
times beyond midnight. It is, therefore, once again desired
to limit the correspondence work and to keep it within
rational bounds. For this purpose it is suggested that every
one must strive to do his or her mite to achieve the desired
results positively so as to leave ample time for the Master
to attend to more important matters of policy, planning
and projects in hand relating to Man-making and spiritual
upliftment all around.
I have, time and again, emphasized that each one should
make oneself thoroughly conversant with: (a) the guide-
lines provided in the various books published so far, and
(b) the contents of the various Circular Letters issued
heretofore.
It is all the more important that the Group Leaders
and the Representatives should, by careful reading and
reverent study of the books and circular letters, make
themselves thoroughly conversant with the basic tenets of
the Science Spiritual and induce those in the fold, both old
and new, to do likewise so as to have a clear and correct
insight into the day to day problems of life which are,
more or less, alike in their nature and are of a routine
type. In this way, there would be a division of labor and
each one would learn to stand on one's own legs and will
also be able to help his or her brethren. By helping others
you are, in fact, helping your own self in so many different
forms. Selfless service has its own reward and being born
of innate love for all, embraces the totality of His being.
Until now, it was suggested that the self-introspection
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 395
diaries should come directly to the Master for obtaining
instructions and guidance, but it is now felt that in the
overall interest of the entire work and to lessen the strain
on the Master, this work can safely be decentralized and
left to the sagacious care of the Representatives and
Group Leaders. The two things to be carefully observed
in the diaries are:
(1) Regular and accurate meditations from day to
day and as a corollary, therefore, experiences will be
gained in Vision and Audition;
(2) Lapses in cardinal virtues, especially in thought,
for mind is the greatest foe and has to be turned into
a useful friend and ally by coaxing, cajoling and grad-
ual restraint, by a careful watch over its antics.
Victory over the mind means victory over the world. One
who can contain himself by controlling the mind is the
greatest hero and the bravest of the brave. If this is
achieved, lapses in words and deeds will take care of them-
selves and will automatically go down.
Another thing worth noting is difficulties and obstacles
met with by the practitioners. These are, in the main, due
to lack of carefree relaxation in practice, and conscious-
ness of pranas (respiration), which supply a fulcrum to
the mind and set it to woolgathering. Ignore the pranas
as we ignore them in all our bodily activities.
Again, most of the dear souls crave for spectacular re-
sults and complain of slow progress. But, be it known that
the time factor is an essential element and it differs with
different individuals, depending on so many factors: each
one's background, mental development, present environ-
ments and the degree of receptivity acquired. The spiritual
Path is an arduous up-hill journey and requires steadfast
396 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
patience and perseverance. Slow and steady wins the race
in the long run. The Master Power is more anxious to pull
us up than we are prepared to repose in Him. He knows
our needs more than we do and is ever ready to extend
His helping hand to us if we care to grasp it. Instead of
completely giving ourselves to the healthier, higher and
holier influence coming from above, we remain, for the
most part, hide-bound or mind-ridden and thus we stand
in the way of the Divine Power which comes down like a
gentle dove if we are but ready to receive Him. On the
contrary, we stand between God and ourselves and keep
surveying the process of withdrawal instead of engaging in
the spiritual practices with all our heart, mind and soul.
Next, there are three types of common ailments which
usually haunt and afflict our footsteps: physical or bodily,
emotional or mental, and those caused by Vis-Major or the
Divine Power. The major events in life are, for the most
part, charted out beforehand and the rest too are the ef-
fects of causes set going in the past, and there is no escape
therefrom. It is better to accept them smilingly and take
them sportively than to rue over them and keep a long
face all the time. Being in the flesh it is not wise to expect
wholeness all the time. We have to adjust ourselves to the
surroundings, conditions and circumstances and then the
storms and stresses will just blow over like a gentle breeze.
The initiates have, however, the added advantage of the
long and strong arm of the Master Power which always
works to their good, even in seemingly adverse situations.
These are some of the problems which, at one stage or
another, crop up in the life of everyone, and most of the
correspondence is of a stereotype nature and as such can
easily be handled and disposed of locally, by explaining
HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY 397
matters sweetly and gently and putting things in their right
perspective. In this way you can relieve the Master to a
great extent. It would be better to read the instructions
carefully, and an attempt should be made to make each
realize the importance of minimizing the work load at this
end.
These are just a few tips. All these matters are, as said
above, fully explained in the various publications and cir-
cular letters, which cover a wider range of subjects and
situations, and can easily be pressed into service to meet.
Last but not least, there is a cardinal need for developing
inner receptivity. The Master Power, as you all know, is
not confined to any particular place. It is working in and
around you. You have but to turn your face towards Him
inwardly to get the required help and guidance wherever
necessary. Learn to sit still and be mentally still, and the
silence thus generated will be more vocal than words spok-
en and written; and you will have an instantaneous solu-
tion not only to your personal problems but to the prob-
lems of others as well. This is the greatest secret of success.
I am always there to help you, both within and without.
I shall welcome all the references that are really of an im-
portant nature which cannot be easily resolved over there
by the Group Leaders and Representatives.
My Love and good wishes are always with each one of
you. You cannot imagine with what longing the Master
Power awaits you at the eye focus ready to receive you
with open arms. I wish you the best of luck and pluck in
all your endeavors.
With all Love and kind thoughts,
Yours affectionately,
KIRPAL SINGH
on the unity of man dated May 15, 1974, was the
Master's last circular letter, issued just three months be-
fore his passing. It clearly indicates the direction he wished
his disciples to follow during his physical absence.
On the Unity of Man
Man, the highest rung of all creation, is basically
the same everywhere. All men are born the same
way, receive all the bounties of nature in a similar man-
ner, have the same inner and outer construction, and are
controlled in the physical body by the same Power, called
differently as "God," "Word," Naam, etc. All men are
the same as souls, worship the same God, and are con-
scious entities; being of the same essence as God, they are
members of His family, and thus related to each other as
brothers and sisters in Him.
2. All awakened and enlightened Gurus and spiritual
teachers who came to this world at various points of time
and in various parts, have invariably emphasized this
Truth in their own language and manner. According to
them all men, despite their distinctive social orders and
denominational religions, form but one class.
3. Guru Nanak, the great teacher and Messiah of peace,
said:
The highest order is to rise into Universal broth-
erhood;
Aye, to consider all creation your equal.
4. India's ancient mantra, Vasudeva kutumb bukam,
also lays down the same principle that the whole world is
one family. However, it is common knowledge that despite
long and loud preaching by various religious and social
400 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
leaders professing the Unity of Man, the world today is
torn by strains and tensions of every kind, and presents
a sorrowful spectacle indeed. More often than not we see
individuals at war with one another and brothers at drawn
daggers with their own kith and kin. Similarly, nations are
constantly involved in conflicts and clashes with each other,
thus spoiling the peace and tranquility. It seems that the
root cause of this present-day situation is, that the Gospel
of Unity of Man, however well accepted in theory, has not
struck home to humanity at large and is not put into prac-
tice. It is only a form of slogan-mongering done with cal-
culated motives.
5. It is universally accepted that the highest purpose of
this human body is to achieve union of the soul with the
Oversoul or God. It is on this account that the physical
body is said to be the True Temple of God wherein He
Himself resides. All religions spell out the ways and means
of meeting the Oversoul or God; and all the ways and
means so suggested, however different looking, lead to the
same destination, so that one need not change from one
religion to another for this purpose. One has only to stead-
fastly and genuinely tread upon the lines drawn by the
torch-bearers for achieving the goal.
6. It is necessary, however, that greater effort should
be made toward the realization of Unity of Man. We have
to realize that every human being is as much a member
of the brotherhood as we are, and is obviously entitled to
the same rights and privileges as are available to us. We
must therefore make sure that while our own children
make merry, our neighbor's son does not go without food;
and if we really practice this, much present-day conflict
ON THE UNITY OF MAN 401
will be eliminated. Each of us will develop mutual recog-
nition, respect and understanding for the other, thus wip-
ing out the gross inequities of life. In this process, as the
mutual recognition and understanding develops, it becomes
a vital force generating a reservoir of fellow feeling which
in turn will bring culture and ultimately humility — the ba-
sic need of the hour.
7. The holding of the World Conference on Unity of
Man in February 1974 in New Delhi was a clarion call to
the world. This conference was perhaps the first of its kind
since the time of Ashoka the Great, held at the level of
Man with the noble purpose of fostering universal broth-
erhood leading to universal harmony. This message of the
Unity of Man must reach every human heart irrespective
of religious and social labels so that it comes home to
every individual, enabling him to actually put it in practice
in life and pass it on to others; in this way, the entire hu-
man society could be reformed. Truly speaking, Unity al-
ready exists: as man — born in the same way, with the
same privileges from God; and as soul — a drop of the
Ocean of All Consciousness called God, Whom we wor-
ship by various names; but we have forgotten this Unity.
The lesson has only to be revived.
8. The so-called world-wide campaign for Unity of Man
is not intended to affect the existing social and religious
orders in any manner. In fact, each one has to continue
to work for the upliftment of man in its own way as be-
fore. Additionally, however, this campaign has to carry
the clarion call of Unity of Man to as large a mass of hu-
manity through its own vehicle as it can, so that the mes-
sage cuts across the barriers of misunderstanding and mu-
402 THE CIRCULAR LETTERS
tual distrust and strikes home to every human heart. Fur-
ther, the said campaign has to be carried out not by
intellectual wrestling, but with optimum desire and anxiety
to put the Unity of Man into practice so that it becomes a
real living force. The method of propagation has to be by
self-discipline and self-example rather than by declarations
and proclamations.
9. It would be prudent to clarify that the campaign for
Unity of Man has to be carried out above the level of
religions without in any way affecting any religious or
social orders. It has to obtain in practice the blessings and
support of all those who believe in the Gospel of Unity of
Man, and could give it strength by taking this Gospel to
every human heart around them and convincing them of
the need of its acceptance in daily life. It will neither be
tagged with Ruhani Satsang nor with any other similar
organization. The enthusiasm of its admirers will be the
real force working behind the campaign.
10. It is therefore earnestly requested that all those who
believe in the Unity of Man and wish to carry its message
must work ceaselessly so that it may reach the lonest corn-
er of the world.
A World Conference on Unity of Man may be arranged
in the West as was done at Delhi in the East — both ulti-
mately work as one whole.